A fast-moving backyard fire on Current Avenue put a home at serious risk Sunday evening, but thanks to the swift response of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, the flames were brought under control before they could spread to the nearby residence.
At 6:01 p.m. on August 24, 2025, multiple 911 calls reported smoke and flames at a property on Current Avenue. Fire crews from several stations were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they discovered a shed fully engulfed in flames, producing thick black smoke visible across the neighbourhood.
Rapid Attack Saves Nearby Home
The first-arriving pumper crew initiated an immediate and aggressive attack on the fire, working quickly to suppress the flames before they could reach the home, located only a short distance from the burning structure. Firefighters deployed hose lines and operated in high-heat conditions to control the blaze, which had the potential to escalate quickly due to dry conditions and nearby combustible materials.
The response included:
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6 Pumper Trucks
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1 Aerial Ladder Unit
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1 Command Vehicle
This substantial deployment ensured that firefighters had the manpower and equipment needed to safely contain the fire and protect surrounding structures.
While the shed sustained extensive fire and smoke damage, no injuries were reported, and the main residence was preserved thanks to the timely action of emergency crews.
Ongoing Fire Risk and Public Advisory
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is using this incident as a critical reminder to the public: open-air burning is not permitted within city limits without a valid burning permit.
“Unauthorized burning can pose a serious risk to property and public safety,” said a spokesperson for Thunder Bay Fire Rescue. “We encourage residents to review the city’s burning regulations and apply for the appropriate permit if they plan any kind of fire. What may seem like a small or controlled burn can escalate quickly, especially in warm or windy conditions.”
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue continues to prioritize community safety and urges residents to report any signs of smoke or illegal burning activities. Firefighters also encourage homeowners to keep sheds, firewood, and other combustible materials a safe distance from homes and fences.