It’s been a tragic weekend in Colborne as a blaze ravaged a seniors apartment complex at 8 King St. W.
The fire sparked around 4 a.m. last Friday, Jan. 30, and had emergency crews on scene into the weekend at the Northumberland County Housing Corporation apartment, which is a complete loss.
About 20 or residents have been displaced after the blaze, and as reported previously, OPP has confirmed one person was found dead later Friday after a search of the dwelling.
Owner of Retro Rewind and the Counter on King Geoff Davis – whose business is located at 8 King St. E. – was among those nearby Friday as the inferno engulfed the apartment complex and filled the downtown with plumes of smoke.
“Well, we came in early, of course, to get started,” recalled Davis. “And when we came in, it was already well underway.
“We were in shock, of course. At first, we didn’t know what building it was, and then (realized) it was an apartment building behind the library,” Davis told MBC. “Yeah, we were in shock.”
In recent years, the small town of Colborne has had to deal with several major fires in the downtown area – although, there has been no connection whatsoever detailed by officials between the incidents.
However, for those like Davis, looking back, it has been shocking for the small – but resilient – town, he acknowledges.
Davis is also among those who were amazed by Cramahe and area firefighters, who were relentless in their efforts to beat back the blaze Friday during the extreme cold and related challenges. As previously reported, Brighton, Trent Hills and Alnwick/Haldimand crews were also called in to help.
And it wasn’t just firefighters who were logging long hours. Police, paramedics, Northumberland County and Township of Cramahe and Lakefront Utilities staff and more had to come together to tackle not just the blaze, but trips to the hospital, to track down tenants and deal with multiple water main breaks.
Davis is also among those thinking about the 20 or so displaced residents who’ve lost their homes and those grappling with the loss of a loved one.
As previously reported, the apartment was a county-run rent-geared-to-income complex for seniors ages 50-plus.
However, in times of crisis, Northumberland never hesitates to answer the call – and there’s been an outpouring of support and offers to help from across the region in recent days. The Colborne Legion alone has been overflowing with donations over the weekend and in Brighton, Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church has also been mobilizing, to name just a few of the organizations.
Similarly, Davis said right away Friday morning they were looking to see what they could do and ways to help.
And he’s not alone.
“You know, we’re willing to help and reach out any way we can … I mean, we’ve started to stay open later to try and give people a place to come.
“We’re now able to have people come in and stay warm if nothing more here and provide, you know, some kind of food and drink that we can to anybody in need. And going forward, we just really hope that the community stays strong and stays behind each other and that’s all we can do.”
As previously reported, the Office of the Fire Marshal was called in to help investigate over the weekend, but as suspected due to the severity of damage, no cause has been determined for the fire.
Several officials and leaders have also been offering their condolences throughout the weekend following confirmation that one person had lost their life.
In a shared statement from Northumberland County and the Northumberland County Housing Corporation board, NCHC board chair Cathy Borowec, Warden Bob Crate and Deputy Warden Mandy Martin – who is also mayor of the Township of Cramahe – said this loss is felt deeply in the community.
“While no words can ease the pain of this moment, we would like the family, friends and neighbours of this individual to know that we stand with you in your grief and our hearts are with you as you navigate this profound loss.”
Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander also said “hearts are heavy” in the wake of the devastating fire.
“First and foremost, our deepest condolences and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the resident who perished,” he said. “No words can adequately ease the pain of a such a profound loss, but please know that the people across Northumberland mourn with you.”
He too, touched on how in times of crisis, the true character of a community is revealed not by the challenges it faces, but by how it rises to meet them. He went on to also thank Brighton Fire and Rescue crews for their quick action, seamless teamwork and unwavering bravery to help their neighbours, calling their efforts “exemplary” and saying firefighters represent the best of Brighton.
To the firefighters in neighbouring departments who were injured while fighting the blaze, he wished them a speedy recovery.
As previously reported, non-life-threatening injuries were confirmed for three firefighters and one tenant, who were all sent to hospital Friday.
Ostrander also shared a significant thank you to Northumberland County emergency and social services teams, saying their tireless efforts behind the scenes to co-ordinate relief efforts and provide immediate supports to displaced residents was nothing short of extraordinary.
“It is through their organized and compassionate response that we are able to ensure no one has to face this disaster alone (and) to all of the Brighton organizations that scrambled to find ways to assist, my heartfelt thanks.
“This tragedy has seen a remarkable coming together of people, organizations and municipal teams across Northumberland. We are stronger together.”
Ostrander vowed Brighton will continue to work closely with neighbouring municipalities to ensure all displaced residents get the care and stability they need to move forward.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt, with files from York Bell Smith)
