A fire in downtown Peterborough late on Thursday evening (November 16) has impacted at least two local businesses.
The fire began around 11 p.m. on the roof of 370-374 George Street North, the building housing Simple, a soap store, and Ash Nayler Photography on the second floor. It also houses the former location of Charm Tree Toys, one of the vacant spaces in this year’s Win This Space competition hosted by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.
Witnesses commented on the swift response and action by Peterborough fire services. Shortly after arriving at the scene, crews began an offensive attack on the fire using four pumps and an aerial truck. Firefighters battled the fire both from the roof and also through the upper floor windows.
As a result of the fire, George Street between Brock and Simcoe was closed, as well as Hunter Street between Water and Aylmer. Around 174 customers of Peterborough Utilities in the downtown area lost power at around 1 a.m. for several hours due to the fire.
Because of their quick and aggressive action against the fire, firefighters were able to contain the fire to the single building. No-one was in the building at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.
As of the morning of Friday, November 17th, the fire was extinguished but firefighters remain on the scene. George Street between Hunter and Simcoe remains closed, as does Simcoe between George and Water. Access to businesses adjacent to the scene is limited, as fire crews determine the extent of damage to the surrounding buildings.
kawarthaNOW messaged Ash Nayler on Facebook early on Friday morning about the fire. Nayler, whose studio is located on the second floor of the building, is a well-known local photographer who uses the space to shoot.
“I’m fine,” she replied. “But all of my stuff is gone I’m pretty sure. Haven’t been allowed in yet.”
“The worst part is the amount of shoots I have booked in the next 6 weeks,” Nayler says.
“I think it’ll be a few days before I know what will be happen insurance wise. I’ve been trying all night to sleep. My mind is just racing. I just want to know what the damage is so I can sort it out. It’s hard being in the dark.”
The other business affected is Simple, which makes its soap products in the building.
One half of the first floor of the building is currently vacant. It’s one of the vacant spaces that are part of this year’s Win This Space competition hosted by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.
Peterborough Fire Services reports that the fire began on the roof of the building. The cause is undetermined at this time, but Peterborough police do not suspect arson. There is no estimate of damages yet.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
