Worker hurt, care less smoking linked to Lindsay fire
A fire that destroyed Lindsay’s Clearing House Outlet and McLeans Auctions auction barn Friday caused an estimated $3.5 million in damages, officials say.
The blaze broke out at about 2:45 p.m. Friday, with firefighters on scene until about 12:30 a.m. Saturday.
Kevin Pahor, fire investigator with the Office of the Fire Marsh al, investigated Saturday.
He said the fire was mostly likely caused by careless smoking, though the level of damage made it difficult to confirm. Both buildings and a nearby shed on the Little Britain Rd. property were leveled by the blaze. The businesses are insured.
An outlet employee was sent to the Lindsay hospital after suffering burns to his arms trying to extinguish the blaze. He’s now at home.
Five firefighters sent to Ross Memorial Hospital with heat exhaustion and are also now recovering at home.
The fire started in the rear of the outlet at the loading dock. Staff and customers were in the building at the time. All but the one employee got out without injuries.
Winds were gusting up to 45 km/h at the time of the blaze.
Wind was contributing factor to how quickly the fire spread, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service district chief Dave Kish said.
Firefighters from 10 Kawartha Lakes divisions were involved, with about 35 firefighters on scene.
Roads in the area were closed as firefighters battled the blaze at the property just off Highway 7/35 and heavy smoke could be seen from Peterborough.
The Clearing House Outlet, which was about 16,000 square feet, sold furniture and appliances. It had six employees, with about four more at the auction barn.
The Clearing House Outlet also has a store in Peterborough on Clonsilla Ave.
With weather conditions extremely dry this year, Kish said it’s important to take care when discarding cigarettes and smoking materials.
“It doesn’t take much to start a fire,” Kish said.