(Facebook photo by Judy Weatherhead)
Firefighters continued to work to extinguish remaining fuel fires Friday after a large fire engulfed Johnny B’s Automotive in Meaford Thursday evening.
Director of Community Services Matt Smith said Friday afternoon, “It’s very much under control and should be out within hours.”
At the height of the blaze Thursday evening, we’re told flames consumed the entire building and a huge plume of black smoke was visible from as far away as Owen Sound.
There were also reports of loud explosions banging out from inside the Sykes Street North business as the fire burned. And a foul smell filled the air.
Firefighters responded from Meaford, the Town of the Blue Mountains, Grey Highlands and the Inter Township Fire Department alongside OPP and Grey County paramedics.
Smith says, “There was one minor injury, but that person is fine.”
“We’re very grateful for the support we’ve had from other fire departments,” says Smith who notes they’ve also been receiving help from the Grey Bruce health unit.
He says investigations into the cause will be ongoing, noting, “We do know that we’ve consulted with the Office of the Fire Marshall and they’ve decided that there’s nothing suspicious about the fire and there’s no need for them to attend.”
Highway 26 remained closed Friday afternoon between Susan and Helen Streets, but was expected to open soon.
The Municipality of Meaford convened the Emergency Control Group to assess the situation.
As of about 4 p.m . Friday afternoon, the municipality said town water was back on and could be used for showers and toilets, but people should not drink it, prepare or wash food with it, or give it to pets. They also shouldn’t brush their teeth with it.
“You’re perfectly able to use the bathroom, shower, dishwasher, use water on your yard, that sort of thing,” says Smith.
He explains, “We’re not now worried about conservation of water, but we are waiting for tests to be done by the Ministry of the Environment to confirm that the water hasn’t been affected by any of the runoff from the fire last night.”
A water distribution centre has been set up at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre (Arena) at 151 Collingwood Street West.
Bulk water is now available, and residents can bring as many of their own bottles and containers as they would like to fill. More shipments of bottled water are expected as well. It will be open until 8 p.m. Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Smith says the hope is to have the water contamination test results by Sunday.
Residents who require special considerations and are physically unable to go to the pick-up site can call 519-538-1060 extension 0 to be connected to our customer service team for assistance.
Over the weekend, residents are advised to call 211. Smith says, “They will have all the information that we have or know how to contact people.”
He adds, “We’ll be keeping an eye on the situation all weekend and we’ll have staff available to make decisions and update the public if and when we have more information.”
The municipality also issued a temporary fire ban, which will be removed 9 a.m. on Monday.
“Our firefighters, and our friends from the Inter-Township Fire department, the Blue Mountains Fire Department, and the Grey Highlands Dire Department, worked extremely hard through the night to ensure the fire on Sykes Street did not spread further,” says Fire Chief Courtney Allen. “Unfortunately, much of our equipment was seriously contaminated and is being cleaned or replaced. In order to ensure that we can respond to major issues over the weekend, we ask our residents to abide by this temporary fire ban.”
Georgian Bay Community School was closed Friday due to the water system shutdown, school principal Kevin Wilson says.
If you have photos or video from the incident you’d like to share, you can email them to news@bayshorebroadcasting.ca.
Building fully involved at Johnny B’s Automotive on Sykes Street North (Highway 26) in #Meaford on Thursday evening. Several departments assisting @MeafordFire crews. pic.twitter.com/obmhftbYFb
— DR (@Media371) May 26, 2023
The municipal water system has been restored and conservation of water is no longer necessary. However, the Municipality has issued a “do-not-consume” advisory until the Ministry of Environment completes all required tests. For more info, visit https://t.co/oiZ72hi2Td#Meaford pic.twitter.com/kwwCugra3p
— Meaford (@Meaford) May 26, 2023
Please note that due to the water memo issued by the Municipality of Meaford, Georgian Bay Community School will be CLOSED today, Friday, May 26… https://t.co/Nl718tGYjd
— Bluewater DSB (@BluewaterDSB) May 26, 2023