A quick response from Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) prevented a potentially serious fire from spreading inside a commercial building on Park Avenue late Saturday morning.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. on May 17, TBFR received a 911 call from staff at a business in the 200 block of Park Avenue, reporting smoke visible within the building. Fire crews were dispatched immediately.
Upon arrival, firefighters determined the source of the smoke was a fire that had started outside the structure and had entered the building’s wall system.
Crews acted swiftly, removing interior cladding to access the concealed fire, which was rapidly intensifying behind the walls. Their rapid deployment of apparatus and personnel was key in limiting the damage and extinguishing the fire before it could spread further.
TBFR Issues Public Safety Reminder
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is reminding all residents and businesses to properly dispose of smoking materials, particularly near building exteriors.
“Improper disposal of smoking products continues to be a common cause of structure fires,” TBFR stated. “A single smouldering butt against siding or in a planter can ignite far more than you expect.”
✅ Use non-combustible ashtrays
✅ Never discard cigarettes in mulch, planters, or near entrances
✅ Ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished