Thunder Bay firefighters responded to three separate incidents across the city over several days, facing challenges ranging from a fully involved motorhome to a residential basement fire that tested crews with extreme conditions.
Members of the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association handled the calls between March 15 and March 19, with the most complex incident occurring on Thursday.
Crews face extreme heat, zero visibility in basement blaze
“Firefighters faced the most challenging incident of the week at a residential structure with heavy smoke and a basement fire,” the association said in a social media post.
Crews responded to a residential structure on Shipley Street with heavy smoke at about 10:30 a.m. on March 19.
Upon arrival, a second alarm was struck.
“Crews encountered zero visibility, heavy smoke and extreme heat while attempting to locate the fire in the basement furnace area.”
— Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association
Initial interior efforts were pushed back, with the main floor showing signs of potential structural collapse.
Officials said firefighters then launched a coordinated interior and exterior attack, utilizing six hose lines and two hydrants to establish a sustained water supply and bring conditions under control.
“Once conditions improved, firefighters advanced down the staircase, located the seat of the fire and extinguished it,” the post read.
The association said searches confirmed no occupants were inside the home and an extensive overhaul was completed.
“The fire caused significant structural damage, including compromised flooring, requiring crews to operate with heightened caution,” added officials.
Earlier calls include apartment fire, motorhome blaze
The week’s calls began in the early morning hours of March 15, when firefighters responded to a small fire in a multi-unit residence on North Syndicate Avenue at about 2 a.m.
“All occupants had evacuated prior to arrival,” said the association.
Officials said fire crews completed searches, ventilated the building and carried out an overhaul.
No injuries were reported and damage was limited.
The next evening, at about 9:15 p.m. on March 16, crews responded to a fully involved motorhome in a commercial parking lot.
The association said firefighters brought the blaze under control, preventing further spread to the surrounding area.
“Fire extended to a nearby storage container holding furniture, which crews removed and checked,” said officials.
The motorhome sustained significant damage. The association said no injuries were reported in the incident.
The Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association used the week’s events to highlight its ongoing commitment to community safety.
“The Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association is committed to protecting our community through training, teamwork and rapid response,” the association said to conclude their post.