Kitchener, Ontario fire dispatch received multiple calls reporting a fire at the St Jacobs farmers market at 13:30 May 26 2016. St Jacobs, Conestogo, and Elmira were dispatched to the fire. The fire started on the roof after a blow torch was used to make repairs. St Jacobs arrived on scene with black smoke showing from the middle of the two-story building. A sprinkler system was just installed two weeks ago, and has been credited with keeping the fire from spreading throughout the building. The fire was knocked down quickly, but due to three layers of roofing required heavy overhaul to get to all the hot spots. The hot day was taking a toll on firefighters, so command requested a Breslau pumper, and a pumper from Waterloo at 15:00. The fire was declared out at 17:00. Box 690 provided rehab, serving 150 cold drinks and lots of freezies. Photos were shot approximately 40 minutes after arrival of first trucks.
Kitchener fire dispatch received a 911 call reporting a barn on fire on Shantz Station Road near Vance Road in Woolwich Township, Ontario, March 2 2016 at 12:30. Breslau, Maryhill, Conestogo, and St Jacobs were dispatched to the call. Dispatch updated units on route that they had a call from the Regional Airport tower, located just west of the scene, reporting a barn and possibly house on fire.
Maryhill district chief reported a large loom up on the way to the call and requested Elmira’s tanker to the scene. Breslau’s pumper tanker arrived on scene reporting a fully involved building with a small barn and house as serious exposures. Firefighters pulled numerous 1.5” and a 2.5” lines to fight the fire and protect exposures. Maryhill’s pumper set up on the road for tanker operations and relay pumping to Breslau’s pumper.
The house caught fire due to radiant heat, but crews were able to knock it down quickly. More than 30 firefighters worked for two hours before knocking the fire down. Woolwich firefighters made a very good save at this fire. The barn had minimal damage, and the rear section of the home can be repaired. The main section of the century old home was saved with no damage. Box 690 provided rehab for the call. The first photo was shot before crews pulled their first line.
