Thunder Bay Fire Rescue crews responded to a structural fire on Marks Street North late Tuesday night.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 11:55 p.m. and arrived to find smoke coming from a residential home. A second alarm was called, bringing more crews and equipment to the scene.
According to Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, firefighters launched an interior attack that quickly brought the fire under control. Crews then entered the home to ensure all occupants had safely exited the building.
Additional resources were also needed to extinguish flames on the exterior of the structure and prevent the fire from spreading to a neighbouring building.
In total, six pumpers, an aerial ladder truck and the platoon chief responded to the incident.
No civilians or firefighters were injured.
Following the fire, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminded residents to use caution when operating wood-burning appliances and to keep combustible materials away from heat sources.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue crews responded to a residential fire on Winnipeg Avenue early Thursday morning.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters were dispatched to the home shortly after midnight on Thursday after receiving reports of a structure fire.
All occupants had safely evacuated the residence by the time crews arrived.
The first arriving officer reported no visible smoke from outside the home. However, as crews continued their investigation, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm after smoke was discovered inside the residence. The upgrade brought in two additional pumpers and an aerial ladder truck.
Firefighters entered the home and located a fire in the basement, which was quickly extinguished.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue says the rapid response helped limit damage to the area where the fire originated. Crews then used electric blowers to clear smoke from the home before leaving the scene.
Fire officials are reminding residents to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and functioning properly, and to maintain a practiced home evacuation plan.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue says heavy smoke forced crews to call in extra trucks and firefighters at two separate house fires, leaving both homes damaged.
The first fire was reported at about 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at a home on Coppin Road.
Crews saw a large plume of black smoke from Highway 61 as they approached and requested additional units.
Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames on three sides of the home when they arrived.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue said the homeowners had already evacuated and confirmed no one else or any pets were inside.
The house sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage, and investigators are working to determine the cause.
The second fire was reported around 5 p.m. at a home on Dease Street. The service added that responding units also saw heavy smoke from a distance and called in more crews.
Firefighters applied water to a fully involved exterior balcony before moving inside to extinguish the fire.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue said the second floor of the home was damaged, along with other areas affected by smoke, fire and water.
No injuries were reported at either scene.
The service is reminding residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and to have a practiced home evacuation plan.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is reminding Thunder Bay residents that an Ontario Fire Code-approved fire burning permit is required for all outdoor burns, including open (brush) and recreational (fire pit).
Burning without a permit, or breaking the terms of the permit will result in a Cease to Burn Order and a minimum fine of $583.05.
Per Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, the conditions to burn are as follows:
Open Fire Burning Permits (brush piles) are valid from January 1 to May 31 (inclusive) and October 1 to December 31.
Recreational Permits (fire pit) are one- or two-year renewal, permit to burn from 5:00pm to midnight.
An annual fee of $43 will be collected for all Fire Permits which includes the inspection fee.
Burning permits will only be approved once the site has been inspected by an Officer of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.
Approved burning site shall not be altered without approval and inspection by the Fire Service.
No burning in wind greater than 16 kilometres per hour or gusting conditions.
Permits are non-transferable.
Burning suspension may occur because of a legitimate smoke nuisance complaint or unsafe conditions.
Burning suspension may occur because of hazardous fire conditions, or a fire ban that has been issued by the Fire Chief. All permit holders will be notified by email if a fire ban occurs and no burning will be allowed until the ban is lifted. A Cease to Burn fine will be issued for burns that occur during a fire ban.
Camp Molly is back for a second year in Thunder Bay.
The free, four-day summer firefighting camp basic training in fire suppression, first aid and rescue operations to girls and non-binary kids aged 15-18.
“They’re getting a taste of everything,” said firefighter and Camp Molly platoon leader Tyler McDougall. “Today we’re doing ladders and fire suppression. Yesterday we went up in the aerial ladder. We did some public education, which is another division of firefighting training. We’re getting a handle on some medical training. Some rope rescue as well.”
Firefighter Tyler McDougall (middle) poses with Camp Molly trainees (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / June 12 2026)
McDougall says the goal of the camp is to teach confidence, break down barriers and improve the demographics of a generally male-dominated field.
“Unfortunately there is still this idea out there that women can’t be in the fire service, EMS or police. This is important because it shows them there are women in these fields and it’s really important for them to be there,” she said. “Everyone’s been asking really great questions to the instructors. It’s a lot of fun, a lot of hard physical work, and I think they’re enjoying themselves.”
Many of the campers are looking to join the next generation of firefighters.
“Mainly I just want to help people,” said 15-year old camper Ella Nephin. “I enjoy high pressure situations where everything is chaos. This is a really fun camp.”
Scenes from day two of Camp Molly (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / June 12 2026)
Camp Molly is named after Molly Williams, the first known female firefighter and first known Black firefighter in the United States.
According to the NY Daily news, when an influenza outbreak ravaged the men of a Lower Manhattan fire crew over 200 years ago, Molly Williams answered the call of duty.
During the New York City Blizzard of 1818, Williams, a former slave, joined the men on the front lines of a fire in a calico dress and an apron. She helped pull a pumper through deep snow to reach the scene and battle the blaze. Williams’ story lives on in Dianne Ochiltree’s children’s book “Molly, By Golly!“
Camp Molly aims to carry on her legacy by inspiring other firewomen.
“Hosting Camp Molly for the second time is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, build teamwork, and develop practical skills, while being exposed to a career in the fire service and other emergency services,” said Dave Tarini, Acting Fire Chief.
“Events like this do not happen without collaboration, and I want to recognize the many personnel from several divisions across the City of Thunder Bay, whose hard work and planning make this experience possible for the next generation.”
Emergency crews are on scene at the train crossing through Wilson and South Water Street as of Friday afternoon.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area around 3:00 pm in response to a call for service. Water Street is closed from Wilson to Pearl.
(Jacob Henriksen-Willis/May 8 2026 4:00 pm)
Drivers are advised that traffic is expected to be disrupted, and police are asking members of the public to avoid the area.
Police say there is no threat to public safety.
(Jacob Henriksen-Willis / May 8 2026 4:00 pm)
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided when available.
The view from the Acadia Broadcasting newsroom shows the effect Water Street’s closure had on traffic Friday afternoon (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / May 8 2026 4:30 pm)
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue responded to a call at a single-floor bungalow on Woodside Street shortly after midnight Wednesday.
Occupants were able to evacuate safely.
An ambulance crew called in the alarm while attending for a medical call. Paramedics smelled smoke and were informed by an exiting occupant that something was on fire.
The fire was reported as aggressive initially, but six pumpers and two attack lines were able to control it. Searches of the main floor and basement were completed quickly thereafter
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue says it would like to remind the public that working smoke alarms and a regularly practiced fire escape plan are essential to ensuring the safety of your family in the event of a fire.
