Trout Lake cottage destroyed, owner safe

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Fire crews tackle cottage blaze on Trout Lake

Fire on Trout Lake

A family-owned cottage on Northshore Road near Trout Lake in North Bay was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening, with crews from all three city fire stations responding to the blaze.

Fire officials say the call came in at 8:56 p.m. on June 23. and crews arrived on scene and began attacking the fire by 9:13 p.m.

The structure was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, North Bay Fire Chief Jason Whitely told CTV News in a brief phone interview.

Whitely said the cottage’s owner was home at the time and self-evacuated without injury.

“53 years of family memories on Trout Lake. Gone in one night. Everyone (is) safe, though, and that’s what matters,” said Peter Hobbs on social media.

Water supply challenges

Crews were forced to adapt their approach due to a lack of fire hydrants in the area. As a result, firefighters brought water in tanks and used portable tanks drawing from Trout Lake. A tanker shuttle was also deployed on the road system along with a mini pumper.

Fire officials said crews were concerned about the safety of neighbouring properties – particularly one to the west, due to its proximity to the burning cottage.

Whitely said crews got to the scene very quickly. The fire was brought under control around 10:45 p.m.

Investigation underway

The chief said the fire prevention team has started an investigation into the cause, though the fire is not considered suspicious.

North Bay Fire and Emergency Services said no damage estimate is available at this time, but the structure is considered a total loss.

With files from CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca journalist Eric Taschner