Cambridge, (ON) P31, P35, A33, A34, R31, and Car 323 were dispatched to a structure fire at 201 Beverly St April 24 at 9:55. P35 reported they could see heavy smoke while responding to the fire. P35 arrived on scene reporting a large vacant building with heavy fire on the C – D side of the building extending from the first floor to the roof of the building.
Due to multiple previous fires at the former Joy Manufacturing building, all firefighting was defensive. There were holes in floors and needles throughout the structure. Police reported 12 homeless individuals were known to be living in the building.
Firefighters laid in from two hydrants to A34 and P35. A34 set up their aerial to attack the fire in the roof, while P35 pulled numerous lines to the rear of the plant. A33, a 60’ quint was replaced by A36, a 110’ platform which could reach the roof to pull off the fiberglass siding. Two piercing nozzles where used on the D side to get at the stubborn fire.
The fire was declared under control two hours after arrival. Primary and secondary searches where completed once the visibility in the building allowed firefighters safe access. Damage was set at $200,000. Box 690 provided rehab, photos taken 30 minutes into the fire.
Gary Dinkel, Box 690
