Tay volunteer firefighters rescue two people from fire on Nielsen Road

Tay, Ontario: Tay Fire and Emergency Services responded to a fire last night at 4157 Nielsen Road where a two-storey single-detached dwelling was partially engulfed in flames. Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and County of Simcoe Paramedic Services also responded.

Tay Fire and Emergency Services were notified by dispatch at 10:50 p.m. and the first firefighter arrived on scene three minutes later. Early detection of the fire from working fire alarms facilitated the evacuation of four occupants prior to the fire department's arrival. Firefighters deployed two fire suppression canisters to slow the growth of the fire until the apparatus arrived. Firefighters then entered the building and rescued the two remaining occupants trapped inside. 

Approximately 20 volunteer firefighters, three pumper trucks, three tanker trucks, and two rescue trucks from three Tay fire stations attended the scene. The fire was declared under control at 11:38 p.m.

Five people were taken to Georgian Bay General Hospital; one was released and four were transferred to Toronto for medical treatment. Patient updates can be requested by contacting Peter Leon, OPP, at 705-330-3713.

“On behalf of the Township, I extend our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery to the family involved,” said Mayor Scott Warnock. “Thank you to our dedicated volunteer firefighters whose quick response and actions rescued two people.”

The cause of the fire is unknown as this time. The Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating the cause and origin of this fire. No estimate of damage is available at this time. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Fire Chief Brian Thomas reminds residents of the importance of working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of their home. In addition to having working fire alarms, Fire Chief Thomas encourages residents to develop and practise an escape plan so everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarms sound. “It’s important to know two ways to get out of each room if possible,” says Fire Chief Thomas. “If the door of a room is blocked by smoke or fire, plan an alternate escape route such as a window.” To learn how to create a home escape plan, visit ontario.ca/firemarshal.

Tay Fire and Emergency Services is committed to protecting the life and property of Tay residents. The fire department operates from four fire stations and comprises Fire Chief Brian Thomas, Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Aymer, and 66 dedicated volunteer firefighters. The department responds to an average of 270 calls per year and serves 10,000 residents in a 139-square kilometer area.

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Contacts:

Brian Thomas
Fire Chief
Phone: 705-534-7248 x245
Email: bthomas@tay.ca

Lynn Racicot
Communications and Special Projects Officer
Phone: 705-534-7248 x264
Email: lracicot@tay.ca