Update – Structure Fire Downtown Aylmer
Update – March 24, 2023
As of 11:00 AM, Talbot Street East from John Street to King Street has been re-opened through a partial lane shift.
Please continue to obey traffic signage in place. Residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize Municipal Lots 1 and 2 for parking in the downtown. The affected area of Talbot Street East is highlighted orange in the provided image. Municipal Lots 1 and 2 are highlighted green.
At this time, the Town of Aylmer wishes to recognize the heroic efforts of our emergency first responders that attended this incident. Additionally, the Town recognizes and appreciates the coordination that has taken place between local businesses and agencies, and surrounding municipalities to safely and swiftly re-open Highway #3.
Update – March 23, 2023
Town of Aylmer staff and engineering staff supporting affected landowners are currently finalizing a plan to safely re-open Talbot Street East from John Street to King Street through a partial lane shift.
At this point, additional works are being undertaken to fully secure the site of the fire incident before fencing that is in place may be adjusted to accommodate traffic flow.
Further updates regarding the re-opening of Talbot Street East from John Street to King Street will be provided once they are available tomorrow.
In the interim, please continue to obey traffic and detour signage in place. Talbot Street East from John Street to King Street remains open to pedestrian foot traffic.
Update 12:36pm – March 21, 2023
Talbot Street East, from John Street to King Street, remains closed as a result of a fire incident that took place on March 20th, 2023.
The Town is hopeful a further update will be available tomorrow morning. The Town is prioritizing public safety and reducing impacts to the downtown businesses where possible.
Aylmer, ON – March 21, 2023
Aylmer Fire responded to a 911 call received last evening at 8:17 p.m. from an apartment unit at 50 Talbot Street East.
“Last night brought back memories of the devastating downtown fire of 1965,” said Mayor Jack Couckuyt. “I commend our fire and police departments for their competence, resilience and quick response.”
The Aylmer Fire Department activated mutual aid from Malahide, Central Elgin and St. Thomas. Approximately 50 Firefighter were on scene. This high level of response was successful in containing the fire to two structures. Loss estimates are over $800,000.
“The fire is not considered suspicious,” said Aylmer Fire Chief Todd McKone, “We are thankful that there were no injuries at this time.”
The Town of Aylmer is working with support agencies of those displaced by the fire and will be holding an Emergency Operations Centre this morning to determine next steps. Traffic is being re-routed around the Town of Aylmer until a structural assessment of the buildings is completed. The Ontario Fire Marshalls office has been engaged to investigate the fire.
The Aylmer Fire Department reminds residents of the importance of working smoke alarms and watching when you are cooking.
Contact:
Owen Jaggard, Deputy Clerk/ Manager Information Services
Email