Emergency crews responded to a major fire on Muskoka Beach Road early Wednesday morning, which resulted in significant damage to multiple homes.
All stations of the Gravenhurst Fire Department were called to the scene around 5 a.m., after reports came in of a fire spreading rapidly from a detached garage.
The man who lived in the home did not want to be identified but told CTV News that the fire woke him up.
According to the Gravenhurst Fire Department, the blaze began in the garage and quickly spread to two adjacent homes. Police say there were several combustibles inside the garbage.
In total, all three structures received damage. Residents from each home were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were reported.
The fire department responded with nine fire trucks and 25 firefighters. Crews remained on scene until roughly 10 a.m. before turning over the site to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
“There’s an investigation ongoing it’s a little bit complicated. It seems the fire originated in the detached garage of one of the residences so establishing exactly what caused the fire, what lead up to that seems it’s going to be a little time consuming,” said Const. Samantha Bigley with the Bracebridge OPP.
Police are now leading the investigation with assistance from the Office of the Fire Marshal, OPP Forensic Identification Services, and the Muskoka Crime Unit.
Road Closures
Muskoka Beach Road between Old Muskoka Road and Jones Road in Gravenhurst remains closed with the exception of school related traffic.
“We ask all pedestrians try to avoid the area. If you live in the area please keep your windows closed until smoke clears,” shared Gravenhurst Fire officials.
Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz expressed her sadness following the incident, “These losses are devastating for the homeowners my thoughts are with them. Of course, we are thankful that there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Gravenhurst is a very supportive community and will no doubt show love and support for their neighbours in this difficult time.”
The Bracebridge OPP is asking anyone with information about the fire to come forward. Tips can be shared by calling Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.