LAURIE WEIR
A fire that broke out at the Smiths Falls public works garage on Friday was quickly contained, thanks to the swift response of fire crews and public works staff. No injuries were reported, but the building will be out of commission for several months.
Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough provided an update to council on Monday, stating that public works received a call about a structure fire inside the facility on AirCare Drive at approximately 11:50 a.m. When firefighters arrived, they were met with heavy black smoke and flames coming through the front two bay doors. Public works staff on site used heavy equipment to remove the doors, allowing firefighters to access the fire and bring it under control within 30 minutes.
“The fire was extremely intense, producing significant heat and smoke that spread throughout the building, affecting the vehicles stored inside,” Chesebrough said. “Had this happened after hours, the fire could have extended from one end of the building to the other.”
Fire crews responded within five minutes, deploying two fully equipped vehicles. Among the responders were six new recruits experiencing their first major fire, and Chesebrough commended their performance.
Emergency measures were taken to contain the aftermath. The gas company shut off the supply, hydro crews disconnected power, and water to the facility was turned off. Runoff from firefighting efforts was contained using sand and booms, and the Spills Action Centre was notified as per regulations.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and damage assessments are ongoing in collaboration with insurance agents and investigators.
Impact on town services
Chief administrative officer Malcolm Morris updated council on the fire’s impact on public works operations, particularly winter road maintenance. Three pieces of snow removal equipment were destroyed: a fully equipped plow truck, a grader used for occasional snow clearing, and a blower unit for the town’s loader.
To maintain essential services, temporary vehicle storage is being set up at the police station, and public works staff will have a designated space for breaks. The town is working to procure a replacement snow removal vehicle, while sidewalk plows remain unaffected, as they were stored offsite.
“We have the skeleton of a plan in place and are working on securing additional equipment,” Morris said. “If we experience a major snowstorm, we will make alternate arrangements to ensure roads are cleared.”
The public works garage is currently uninhabitable and will remain so for several months. Morris assured council that there is no immediate impact on the town’s winter control services, and any significant disruptions will be communicated to residents as needed.
Council members thanked both fire and public works teams for their quick response, noting their efforts prevented a more severe loss.