Residents of Douglas and nearby Ottawa Valley communities are coping with the loss of a local landmark after a fire overnight destroyed the Douglas Trading Post.
The building, located off Highway 60 in the Township of Admaston and Bromley and long known as the Douglas Tavern, had recently reopened as a diner and was gaining popularity. Township fire chief Bill McHale described the fire as devastating for the community.
The emergency began when an off-duty firefighter noticed smoke from his home and went to investigate. He alerted the owners, who lived in an attached residence, and called 911 around 8 p.m. Fire crews arrived within minutes and confirmed smoke was coming from the diner section.
Firefighters were initially able to enter the building and discovered flames spreading through the ceiling. Efforts were complicated by multiple layers of roofing added over decades, which allowed the fire to spread unseen. As conditions worsened, additional fire departments were called in, and heavy equipment from the Town of Renfrew was used to open the roof.
Despite sustained efforts, the fire repeatedly reignited as it moved rapidly through hidden spaces and roof structures. Multiple crews battled the blaze for hours, but the building was ultimately lost. Some departments were able to leave the scene around 3 a.m., while full control of the fire was not achieved until about 5 a.m.
Firefighters returned Tuesday morning to clear debris and extinguish remaining hot spots, continuing work at the site of the destroyed diner. No injuries were reported.