Balcony Fire at Charlotte Towers in Downtown Peterborough Draws Multiple Fire Crews

By Scott Arnold

Firefighters responded to a balcony fire on the seventh floor of Charlotte Towers in downtown Peterborough this afternoon.

Firefighters respond to a balcony fire on the seventh floor of Charlotte Towers in downtown Peterborough on October 14th. (photo by scott arnold)

Multiple fire trucks and several firefighters were on scene at the apartment building as crews worked to contain the fire.

The fire was contained to the seventh-floor balcony, with no injuries reported.

photo by scott arnold

Photo by scott arnold

Photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

No further details have been made available at this time.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Two Residents and a Dog Were Rescued Following Park Street South Residential Fire

Peterborough Fire Services rescued two residents and their dog after a structure fire at a Park Street South residence on Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

First-arriving crews saved the residents and dog via a ladder. Only one person sustained minor burns.

Fire crews were dispatched to the two-storey, multi-unit residence at 12:40 a.m. They arrived with flames showing on the exterior and impinging on the attic. According to a Fire Services report, the fire was deep-seated in two different attics.

The cause of the fire was unknown and the estimated damage was $700,000.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

First Responders Rescue Person Who Fell Into Water At Lock 19

An individual who fell into the water at Lock 19 was rescued and brought to safety by first responders on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Peterborough Police arrived at Lock 19 at roughly 12:30 p.m. and learned that someone was in the water. They were able to throw the fallen person some ropes to grab onto.

Peterborough Fire Services arrived as both first-responder organizations had moved the individual to safety.

They were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre.  

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Aylmer Street Fire Causes $250,000 In Damages

Peterborough Fire Services have extinguished a structure fire at a home on Aylmer Street, resulting in an estimated $250,000 in damage, according to reports Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fire occurred on the main floor of the home. Peterborough Fire Services performed an aggressive primary search and fire attack to bring the fire to control.

No one was home at the time of the incident and one family pet was rescued. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Fire Services Partner For Campaign to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Enbridge Gas Ontario, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and Peterborough Fire Services have partnered to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Fire Services received 336 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero. This public education campaign will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario, according to a press release.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killerʼ,” said Jeff Braithwaite, Operations Supervisor, Enbridge Gas. “Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”

“Our priority is making sure every resident of Peterborough has the tools they need to stay safe,” said Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives, and programs like Safe Community Project Zero help us reach residents who may otherwise go without this critical protection. We’re grateful for the continued partnership with Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council as we work together to reduce preventable injuries and deaths in our community.” 

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide early warning to escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure safely. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels. 

“This is an important initiative that puts the safety of Peterborough residents first and strengthens the well-being of our entire community. We are grateful to Enbridge Gas and Peterborough Fire Services for working together to provide residents with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a tool that is proven to save lives and alert residents to potential danger when every second counts,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Metal Fire Extinguished Near Lansdowne Place's Superstore and Triple M Metal

A metal fire that broke out has been extinguished near the area of Triple M Metal and Superstore at Lansdowne Place on Monday afternooon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fire occurred before 2:30 p.m. and Peterborough Fire Services had neutralized the area before 3:15 p.m.

Residents and business owners in the area were advised to close windows and shut off HVAC units due to the poor air quality.

@ptbo_canada A large metal fire broke out near the Superstore resulting in smoke and poor air quality. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Security staff have closed off the area as first responders neutralize the fire.

The cause is currently unknown.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough to Pay Tribute On Firefighters’ National Memorial Day

The City of Peterborough is paying tribute to some of its first responders on Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, which takes place this Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The second Sunday in September is recognized as Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, a tribute to firefighters who have died in the line of duty while protecting Canadians. Red and white commemorative lights will be displayed at City Hall on that day.

“Firefighters put their safety on the line in service to their communities. It is with profound respect and heartfelt gratitude that we remember and pay tribute to the firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We honour their selfless contributions here in our community and across Canada,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Firefighters’ National Memorial Day serves as a vital reminder of the risks faced by these everyday heroes, and of the ultimate price some have paid in protecting the safety and well-being of our communities.”

A Line of Duty Death Memorial Ceremony occurred at Del Crary Park on Tuesday. The Honour Guard marched to the memorial monument. The ceremony honoured fallen firefighters John Bowker, Jim Cumming and Ralph Parker. Mayor Jeff Leal, Fire Chief, Chris Snetsinger, and Peterborough Professional Firefighters Association President, Wesley Lake spoke at the memorial.

“On this solemn day, we stand in remembrance of the firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. Their courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. As firefighters, we carry their legacy with us every time we respond to a call, striving to uphold the same dedication to service and community,” said Snetsinger.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada® Gives Peterborough First Responders Equipment Grant

Peterborough Fire Services has been named a 2024 grant recipient by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada®, receiving $35,956 to increase lifesaving capabilities in Peterborough.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada has awarded 369 grants to public safety organizations since 2015. Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The grant was used to purchase Paratech Lifting Bags for the department.

“We are grateful to the Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs® in Peterborough for awarding us this grant,” said Chris Snetsinger, Peterborough Fire Services, Fire Chief. “The new Paratech Lifting Bags will fulfill a critical need within our department and allow our first responders to safely lift and stabilize extremely heavy objects during rescue operations, improving our ability to quickly free trapped victims and enhance community safety during emergencies.”  

This grant is one of 18 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada grants awarded to public safety organizations during the most recent grant cycle. The 18 grants will provide lifesaving equipment valued at more than $504,000 across Canada.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Two People Displaced From Home After Residential Fire On Denne Crescent

A residential fire broke out at a home on Denne Crescent and two people were displaced as a result early Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Peterborough Fire Services responded to the call at 7:45 a.m. Heavy smoke was observed venting under pressure from multiple openings, with fire on the main floor and in the roof/attic area.

Fire crews successfully accessed the structure and initiated aggressive search, vent and fire suppression operations. They could confine the fire to the main floor and associated attic area.

Heat and smoke have caused extensive damage to the remainder of the property. Peterborough Fire Services remains on the scene for further investigation.

Peterborough Fire Services believes the cause of the fire is accidental.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

No Injuries Sustained From Bolivar Street House Fire

There were no injuries from a residence fire on Bolivar Street that occurred on Sunday afternoon.

File Photo.

At roughly 3 p.m., Peterborough Fire Services arrived at the single-family detached dwelling. Fire crews found heavy smoke exiting from the first and second floors and flames exiting from a first-storey window.

The fire crew initiated an exterior attack and then switched to an aggressive interior attack to bring the fire under control.

There were no occupants home at the time of the incident.

Peterborough Police Services and Peterborough County Paramedics were also on scene to assist.

Peterborough Fire Prevention along with City Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.