THUNDER BAY – A fire at Barb’s Laundromat on North Cumberland Street was put down by Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.
Platoon Chief, John Kaplanis reports that at approximately 12:45 am on April 19, 2020, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue responded to a dispatched fire alarm ringing at the laundry facility located in the 200 block of a North Cumberland Street strip mall facility.
Upon arrival, initial crews reported smoke and fire located visibly in the interior of the front side of the retail storefront. The on-scene TBFR Incident Commander requested a full second alarm to respond to the scene as well.
Firefighters immediately commenced with a direct attack on the fire, knocking the fire down quickly and preventing further extension into the business storefront and an adjacent Robins.
Heavy smoke conditions persisted until crews were able to clear the smoke using positive pressure fans. The building interior was also searched for occupants. However, as was expected, since the stores were not open for business at this time, no persons were found to be inside the building at the time of the fire.
The Laundry facility portion of the strip mall suffered heavy smoke and fire damage.
A preliminary investigation by TBFR fire officers at the scene revealed indications that the cause of the fire was of a suspicious nature. The scene was secured for investigative purposes. Police were requested to attend the scene. The scene is currently in the care and control of the Thunder Bay Police Service while they conduct a criminal investigation.
A total of 5 pumper rescues, an aerial ladder truck and a Fire Command vehicle responded to this incident.
