THUNDER BAY – On 05 October 2018 at 1:20 AM, the Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Service responded to an automatic alarm for a large commercial structure on Court St. S. just south of Red River Rd. An initial response of three pumpers attended carrying 13 Fire Fighters. Initial investigation led Fire Fighters to the attic space where a haze of smoke was coming out of the loose insulation that covered the joists. A second alarm was called for, which had another two pumpers and an Aerial Ladder.
The space was entered and searched. Eventually, an electrical wire was found that had worn through a piece of metal causing it to short and burn through. Surrounding combustibles burned causing the smoke. The electrical wires were disconnected from the source and the area soaked with water. As a precautionary measure, a foam hose line was set up in case the cause of the fire was not quickly found and the burning continued to grow.
The initial application of water brought the fire under control. The Aerial Ladder was utilized to access the roof area in an effort to aid ventilation of the attic.
A total of 21 Fire Fighters attended the scene. No injuries were noted. The fire is not considered suspicious in nature.
