Cobourg Fire Department responded to the Golden Plough Lodge at 6:37 p.m. for reports of smoke visible from the offices on the second floor.
Immediately after calling 9-1-1 staff moved residents away from the area of where the smoke was noticed.
While fire crews were responding they were updated that flames were visible. Crews then upgraded the call to a structure fire.
In less than five minutes fire crews arrived on scene and immediately entered the building and determined that the fire had been extinguished.
A security guard was checked out for smoke inhalation, but was not transported to hospital.
Acting Fire Chief Kevin Ashfield said it was a “minor fire” that wasn’t a residential room.
“It was a very minor fire that was put out before our arrival. There was very minor smoke within the building.”
Ashfield said anytime there is a report of a working fire at a location like the Golden Plough Lodge a number of things go through your head.
“You worry about the residents – the staff have a lot of work to do in these places, but they are very well trained. We have a very good Fire Safety Plan when it comes to our vulnerable occupancies and they do a lot of staff training to make sure they clear people out in an appropriate amount of time.”
Northumberland County CAO Dan Borowec said the very minor fire was confined to a utility room and may have been an extension cord that was damaged and shorted out.
Borowec said a security guard was doing his rounds and noticed smoke in the room.
Immediately the security guard disconnected the fridge which put out the source of the smoke.
“No residents were effected and we are very, very thankful to Cobourg Fire for how quickly they were here.”
Borowec said fire officials ventilated an area and gave the all clear for residents to move back into their rooms.
Damage is estimated at under $1,500.
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
