Officials are still trying to account for everyone after a Northumberland County Housing Corporation apartment complex was destroyed by fire in Colborne on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Emergency services were called to the complex at approximately 4:06 a.m. for alarms sounding.
The complex has approximately 20 apartments and it’s believed there was approximately 17 to 23 people in the building.
While Cramahe Fire Department was responding, they were notified there was smoke in the building located at 8 King Street West in Colborne.
Cramahe Township Fire Chief Matt Halmasy said when crews arrived, “there was heavy fire showing out of the second floor apartment which quickly spread through the attic and rest of the building.”
Brighton, Alnwick/Haldimand, Trent Hills and Hamilton Township Fire Departments were also dispatched to the scene.
Firefighters entered the building to search for any occupants on the second floor, “but due to conditions deteriorating extremely fast, we had to evacuate the firefighters.”
“We were doing our initial primary search, but those firefighters had to be called out because the roof started collapsing.”
Two people were rescued by firefighters from their second floor balconies.
At least one person is still unaccounted for as firefighters worked through the morning to extinguish the flames.
At this point Halmasy said it’s unknown how many people are unaccounted for because they may have been picked up by friends at the fire scene.
“Right now we’re still trying to deal with where everybody was to make sure we are able to account for everybody.”
Frigid temperatures during the fire also complicated firefighting efforts.
One of the sensors on one of the firetrucks froze, “which unfortunately shut down the pump.”
“It’s a huge challenge for the firefighters with all the ice build-up.”
The breathing apparatus will freeze up due to the moisture on the person’s breath.
“It makes them very challenging to do their job.”
Approximately 15 evacuees are currently at the Keeler Centre.
Approximately 20 people were displaced along with seven pets.
Northumberland Community Paramedicene is providing non-emergency health support.
Northumberland County states that if someone is are effected by the fire, please go the Keeler Centre at 80 Division Street in Colborne.
Fire crews were assisted by Northumberland OPP and Northumberland County Paramedics.
Police are advising the public to stay away from the area as it is still an active scene. King Street in the area of the fire will remain closed for a number of hours.
The Office of the Fire Marshal has been contacted.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
