Blackstock Arena is temporarily closed to ice users after an electrical fire on Monday that could have been much worse but for quick thinking staff who called 911.
Scugog Fire, supported by Uxbridge Fire and Durham Regional Police, responded to the arena on Church Street at 5 p.m. on Monday for the report of a fire.
The fire, caused by an exterior electrical issue, began on the outside of the building and was quickly determined to be minor, without the need to call in the Ontario Fire Marshall.
Scugog Fire Chief Mike Matthews was quick to praise staff for giving his firefighters the heads up quickly before the situation got worse.
“A very serious fire was avoided due to township staff at the Blackstock arena becoming aware of a potential fire and calling 911,” he said. “Our crews arrived on scene and quickly went to work containing the fire and limiting damage.”
Recognizing the issue and early notification of 911 means the arena should be back in community use in a “short amount of time,” he added.
An early assessment indicates localized interior smoke and water damage in the arena’s ice pad area, necessitating the closure of the rink, which will mark its 90th birthday in 2027. An electrician and other contractors are on site with staff to assess the extent of repairs and begin remediation.
A statement from the township declared the ice pad will remain temporarily closed, with an update to follow once the full assessment and repair plan are in place.