July 22 2014, 05:30 Kitchener Ontario firefighters were dispatched for a fire behind 340, and 342 Louisa St. Two pumps, quint aerial, rescue, and PC responded on the first alarm. The fire was visible from HQ 2.5 miles from the scene, prompting the PC to add P1 (75’ quint to the call).
Station two was on scene two minutes later reporting one multi-unit, three-story building under construction fully involved, as well as a second multi-unit building well involved. Large lines were in order. A2 and P3 caught hydrants. P3 pulled a 4” line around the back of the units on Louisa and set up a portable hydrant. A2 set up in front, P1 in rear. A4 and P7 were added to the call, P7 set up in rear and pulled two 2.5” lines and used their monitor.
The fire extended into the occupied units on Louisa St., heavily damaging three units. P1 and P3 firefighters were able to protect the seven units on the E2 side of the fully-involved building which were 75% complete, as well as six units on Louisa St that were finished.
Fourteen units under construction were destroyed as well as the three occupied units. Damage has been pegged at $5,000,000. The Ontario Fire Marshall is working with Kitchener Fire Prevention officers and Regional Police detectives to determine the cause.
Gary Dinkel
Box 690
This photo shot at 05:53. The partially constructed building in foreground only has some framing for first floor still standing. Gary Dinkel photo
Gary Dinkel photo
E3 side of fire, P1 has 2.5” line in operation, and are setting up their ladder for tower operations. Note how close buildings are to each other. Gary Dinkel photo
Fire extends into 342 Louisa St, second unit of five in this group of condos. Gary Dinkel photo
P7 arrives on scene and sets up. Gary Dinkel photo
Gary Dinkel photo
Dumpster caught fire from flying embers. Gary Dinkel photo
Gary Dinkel photo
Gary Dinkel photo
Sign will have to be changed! Gary Dinkel photo
Louisa street. Gary Dinkel photo
Gary Dinkel photo
First fire for new P2, Spartan ERV pumper. Gary Dinkel photo
Gary Dinkel photo
P3 set up portable hydrant, ran a monitor and one 2.5” line. Note how close the buildings are!. Gary Dinkel photo