Tragedy struck the Home Hardware store in Lakefield on Thursday, October 9th. The historic building, which included the Home Hardware store as well as a number of apartments above, was destroyed. Thankfully no one was hurt in the fire. The source of the fire is believed to have originated in one of the upper apartments, but the cause has not been determined at this time.
The fire was fought by fire fighters from six municipalities and has caused extensive damage. The building has been declared a total loss and Selwin township has issued a demolition permit to allow the structure to be demolished. Currently the demolition team from Priestly Demolition has been contracted to clean up the area. Until the structure is removed, the downtown area of Lakefield is blocked off.
Lakefield is a community of 3,000 people on the banks of the Otonabee River just 15 kilometres northeast of Peterborough. The team from Kawartha Home Hardware lead by Frank Geerlinks, has had their insurance team of people on site to coordinate efforts to determine the recovery plan.
(Photo courtesy Selwyn Township)