The Region of Durham’s Emergency Social Services team yesterday said residents have been relocated to a hotel, and the team is working to relocate families to new temporary accommodations. The number of those given alternate housing was not disclosed.
The Clarington’s Economic Development office said it is reaching out to businesses to provide support alongside the Clarington Board of Trade and Downtown Bowmanville Business Improvement Area. Businesses may contact the Invest Clarington team at ecdev@clarington.net for resources and support.
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS) said the fire affected businesses and residential units from 69 King Street West to 95 King Street West, on the south side of Bowmanville’s historic downtown.
The Municipality of Clarington confirmed that residents were evacuated safely, and there were no injuries. There continues to be a mystery about one individual who remains unaccounted for, “but it is unclear if they were in the building at the time of the fire”, the statement said.
Fire Marshal to Investigate
The Ontario Fire Marshal will investigate the cause of the fire.
A restaurant, 99 King, remained open overnight to provide shelter, food, and warmth to residents and first responders.
The large fire in downtown Bowmanville resulted in a prolonged road closure. Till yesterday evening the following roads in downtown Bowmanville had been closed until further notice.
- King Street West, between Scugog Street and Temperance Street
- Access to Church Street from Scugog Street
- Silver Street, between King Street West and Church Street.
On Thursday, March 6 at about 12 am, members of East Division responded to the downtown Bowmanville area for an active fire. Clarington Fire was on scene and officers assisted in evacuating residents from the area, said a police report.
Clarington Fire crews worked through the night and into yesterday to contain the fire, with assistance of Oshawa Fire. CEFS thanked partners for their response, including the Region of Durham, Durham Region Transit, Red Cross, Oshawa Fire, Region of Durham Paramedic Services, and Durham Regional Police.
Grieving: Mayor Foster
Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster said: “We are sorrowful for the people who have lost their homes and businesses. As a community, we are grieving for the damage done to Historic Downtown Bowmanville—a beloved spot where residents shop and connect. Our municipality will do everything we can in the coming days, weeks, and months to support those affected by the fire as they rebuild and rise again.
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services reminded the public of the importance of fire detection. “Every second counts during a fire; please ensure you have smoke alarms for your family’s safety.” Find more fire safety information at www.clarington.net/FireSafety.