A fast reaction from the Burk’s Falls and District Fire Department was not enough to stop this blaze from destroying the home of Gerry and Marilynn Brockbank on Pickerel and Jack Lake Road. This photo is from just before the arrival of the first fire truck.
BURK’S FALLS – As soon as Paul Hunter arrived he knew the fire had the upper hand in the fight for Gerry and Marilynn Brockbank’s home.
Leaving moments after the pager call went out, Hunter made great time getting to the scene ahead of his response vehicles in order to establish his strategy as early as possible, the fire chief knew saving the home was a tall order.
Flames were already shooting out of the doors and windows as black and grey smoke billowed high up into the air.
Moments after his arrival the scene became a flurry of activity as the Burk’s Falls and District Fire Department’s main pumper truck arrived. A crew of four men worked fast to hook up a hose and start dousing the blaze.
Once a water line was established two other firemen raced to get a portable pump at the lake feeding the truck to keep the water supply coming.
The Burk’s Falls tanker arrived shortly after followed by the Sundridge and Perry fire departments, each bringing two trucks of their own.
With all three departments on scene it took about another hour before firefighters could enter the house to start the hunt for hot spots capable of renewing the blaze.
Despite the large and quick response, Hunter describes the house overlooking Pickerel Lake as “a total loss.”
The call for assistance to the Pickerel and Jack Lake Road home came at about 3:25 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Hunter says that Marilynn was working outside when she noticed smoke coming from the house and called for assistance.
A cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Hunter says his early belief is that it started in the front of the home in the roof area.
Even before the first fire truck arrived, friends and neighbours were consoling Marilynn on the devastation to her home. Offers of assistance are reported to still be coming in as the Brockbanks evaluate their situation.
The firefighters were able to ensure the blaze didn’t spread to any of the nearby homes or outbuildings. As well they were quick to alleviate any danger from a nearby 500 lb propane tank.
The fire closed Pickerel and Jack Lake Road just east of Pickerel Lake Lodge for about two hours.
Editorial
