A large fire destroyed a building Monday evening at the intersection of Highway 17 and Ronka Road in Beaver Lake, prompting a response from both volunteer and career firefighters. Authorities have deemed the fire suspicious, and the Ontario Fire Marshal and police are now investigating the cause.
Sudbury’s Deputy Fire Chief, Jesse Oshell, revealed that the building, which had previously been a general store and gas station, had undergone multiple renovations over the years, including changes for residential use.
The location posed a challenge for firefighting efforts due to its distance from any water source, requiring the deployment of five water tankers from surrounding areas. Firefighters from seven stations worked to tear down several walls to safely combat the blaze.
The fire, which started around 6 p.m. Monday, was finally brought under control by midnight. The building is considered a total loss, with damage estimated at $500,000. Although one person has been displaced, there were no reported injuries.