On May 19 around 11:20 a.m. Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Fighters from Station One in Huntsville and Station Five in Port Sydney responded to a report of multiple trailers on fire at Muskoka Bible Centre’s campground in Huntsville.
Upon arrival, fire fighters found two large camping trailers fully engulfed in fire with multiple other trailers and vehicles nearby. Water Tanker Trucks from Station One and Five were critical in preventing the spread of fire as there were no hydrants near the fire. The fire was safely extinguished by 12:50 p.m.; no injuries were reported.
The investigation into the cause and origin of the fire has concluded. However, the cause of the fire could not be determined by conducting a detailed scene examination and analyzing the data present. The damage is estimated to be under $500,000. Two large camping trailers were destroyed, six trailers were damaged, one golf cart and one pickup truck were damaged by the fire.
The Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division conducted a recent fire safety inspection of Muskoka Bible Centre grounds and the property had made improvements to emergency planning and maintenance of fire protection equipment as a result. The staff of the campground did an excellent job guiding fire trucks to the fire scene which assisted in locating the fire quickly.
The Fire Department reminds seasonal residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by ensuring they are not expired, the batteries are not dead and the device sounds when the test button is pressed when opening their cottage or trailer.
