By Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
A fire in downtown Tilbury Friday evening caused an estimated $2 million in damages, destroying businesses and displacing several residents.
Chatham-Kent Fire Rescue responded to the blaze at 18 Queen St. N. just before 7 p.m., deploying crews from six stations, including Tilbury, Raleigh North, Merlin and Wheatley. A total of 58 firefighters and 18 fire apparatus worked to contain the flames.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames and thick black smoke billowing from the second storey. The mixed-use building housed businesses on the ground floor and apartments above. All occupants had safely evacuated before emergency crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.
Despite efforts to control the fire quickly, the structure sustained extensive fire and water damage, leading to a roof collapse. Due to safety concerns, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office declined to attend, citing the risk of further structural failure. Municipal engineers and economic development officials have taken over the investigation, but the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
Authorities say the extent of the damage may lead to the building’s demolition.
Residents displaced by the fire are receiving assistance from victim services and Chatham-Kent police. Former Tilbury councillor and community advocate Mark Authier has been coordinating relief efforts for those affected.
“We have five people displaced from their apartments due to the fire,” Authier said. “The Tilbury Help Centre has agreed to collect items for them.”
Authier shared that one displaced resident, a senior woman, is in need of clothing and grocery gift cards. A mother with two children has also lost their home, and community members are working to gather the necessary sizes and items for donations.
The Tilbury Help Centre at 26 Queen St. N. is accepting contributions, including clothing and gift cards.
Century 21 Local Home Team, one of the affected businesses, announced a temporary closure due to the fire.
“Due to an electrical fire in the apartments adjacent to our Tilbury office last night, we are temporarily closed for safety reasons,” the company said in a statement. “However, we are business as usual, and our agents remain fully available to assist you with all your real estate needs.”
Several businesses suffered fire, water or smoke damage, including Main Street Hairstyles, Hair By G, Shear Perfection, Century 21, and Mai’s Nail Salon.
Authier expressed gratitude to the firefighters who battled the blaze, especially given the strong winds that threatened to spread the fire further.
“My heartfelt wishes go out to the businesses and employees who were affected. I hope they can rebuild and reopen soon,” he said.
“To the tenants that lived above these businesses, I hope you will be able to find another apartment in town.”
Chatham-Kent Fire Rescue has yet to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities urge anyone wishing to support affected residents to donate to the Tilbury Help Centre.
