Kitchener Ontario firefighters responded to a townhouse complex under construction August 24 at 19:50 hours. The large complex had fire showing on the end unit with extension into the next unit on the B side. Six of the seven stations were eventually dispatched to the fire. The three-story building of origin collapsed within six minutes of the fire department’s arrival. Five pumpers, two quints, a heavy rescue, and the Platoon Chief responded to the call.

Three pumpers set up at the rear of the complex on Manor Drive to protect houses from radiant heat and to knock down wooden fencing and decks that were on fire. Firefighters picked up two hydrants and pulled multiple lines to protect the houses. A number of houses had cracked windows, melted siding and melted roofing. Firefighters worked in very hot conditions to prevent the homes from catching fire.

At the front of the building, both quints set up and firefighters tapped into three hydrants. Multiple lines were pulled and the deck gun was used by P 11 once the water pressure was boosted in the area. The fire was brought under control in 45 minutes. Twenty eight units were damaged or lost in the fire. Total loss has been pegged at $2,000,000. Shots start 20 minutes after firefighters arrived. Attached link has good early video from fire.

Gary Dinkel, Box 690