Photo Via Grand Bend Locals Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/grandbendlocals
A major commercial fire at RONA Moffatt & Powell in Grand Bend on Friday afternoon destroyed a local business and led to a large emergency response that kept crews on scene for several hours.
Newly appointed Lambton Shores Fire Chief Sean Smith told myFM the details.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A demolition crew working nearby on the Grand Bend bridge construction project assisted firefighters by using heavy equipment to open up the structure, allowing crews better access to fight the fire.
The building was demolished to help put out the flames.
Nearby residents were asked to shelter in place and keep windows and doors closed because of heavy smoke and changing wind conditions.
Highway 21 was closed for several hours while crews battled the blaze. The road reopened around midnight, but firefighters remained on scene until about 6 a.m. Saturday.
Chief Smith said this was his first major call since recently taking over as fire chief in Lambton Shores.
He also thanked the many agencies and community members who helped during the response, including Lambton Shores firefighters, the South Huron Fire Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Lambton County EMS, Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton, municipal staff, and the Grand Bend Legion for helping evacuated residents.
Chief Smith says the fire caused significant damage, likely reaching into the millions of dollars. He noted that losing a local business is difficult for the entire community, especially for the owners and employees affected.
