Devastating fire at Kawartha Home Hardware building in downtown Lakefield has been contained

The fire that destroyed Kawartha Home Hardware and several apartments at 24 Queen Street in downtown Lakefield just before the Thanksgiving long weekend has been contained, although several road closures remain in effect.

According to a media release issued by Selwyn Township late Friday afternoon (October 10), Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street remains fully closed, as does Burnham Street from Queen Street to Charlotte Street. In addition, Queen Street from Regent Street to Reid Street and Charlotte Street from Reid Street to Burnham Street are open to local traffic only.

The township is asking residents and visitors to remain cautious when in the area as fire crews are still on the scene.

“Businesses in Lakefield can open, except for Lakefield IDA which has experienced significant water and smoke damage,” the media release states. “Customers are encouraged to check business social media pages or call ahead to confirm available services. Please note that the only parking available in downtown Lakefield is in the municipal parking Lot located beside The Village Inn. Customers will need to walk to access open businesses.”

According to witness reports, the fire began on Thursday shortly after noon in the upper portion of the building, which contains several apartments, before spreading into the hardware store below. The cause was reportedly a kitchen fire in one of the apartments that got out of control, but this has not been confirmed by officials.

While everyone inside the building escaped safely, one witness reported that a long-time employee of Kawartha Home Hardware who lives in one of the apartments ran back into the building to save a pet. He suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital but has since been released. While a dog and cat were rescued, two other pets reportedly perished in the fire.

VIDEO: The aftermath of the fire at 24 Queen Street in Lakefield

From videos posted on social media, it appears that the entire building has been gutted by the fire.

In the media release, Selwyn Township expressed thanks to the first responders who contained the fire, including Selwyn Township firefighters and those from neighbouring municipal fire departments including the townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Peterborough Fire Services. The township also thanked the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Enbridge, and Hydro One for their support on scene.

“On behalf of council and the entire community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and emergency responders who worked tirelessly to contain this fire and keep our residents safe,” said Selwyn Mayor Sherry Senis in a statement. “The response from our local and neighbouring departments exemplifies the strength of collaboration and community spirit that defines Selwyn Township. Our hearts go out to the affected residents and business owners as we work together to support recovery in the days ahead.”

Century 21 United Realty Ltd. in Lakefield is collecting donations for those who have been displaced by the fire and who have lost everything. Items needed include men’s L, XL, and XXL clothing and women’s L and XL clothing and size 10 shoes. Gift cards or cash donations are also welcome.

Items can be dropped off at the Century 21 office at 15 Queen Street in Lakefield until 7 p.m. on Friday or during the Thanksgiving long weekend, including Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you have donations but are unable to drop them off, you can call Century 21 at 705-313-4099 to arrange for a pick-up.

In addition, Lakefield Animal Welfare Society has teamed up with Village Pet Food & Supply and Redfern Resort to provide support for families and their pets who have been displaced by the fire.

Free pet food and cat litter is available for displaced families and can be picked up during operating hours from Village Pet Food & Supply at 3305 Lakefield Road or from Lakefield Animal Welfare Society at 2887 Lakefield Road. Temporary boarding for dogs displaced by the fire is available through Redfern Resort at 2813 Lakefield Road by calling 705-760-2413.

“The township would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the many township staff across departments who supported first responders on scene, as well as to members of the Salvation Army, County City Peterborough Disaster Supports, local businesses, and residents who came together to provide food, refreshments, and encouragement to those working to contain the fire and those affected by the fire,” the release states. “Their generosity and community spirit are deeply valued.”