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By Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

A fire in downtown Tilbury Friday evening caused an estimated $2 million in damages, destroying businesses and displacing several residents.

Chatham-Kent Fire Rescue responded to the blaze at 18 Queen St. N. just before 7 p.m., deploying crews from six stations, including Tilbury, Raleigh North, Merlin and Wheatley. A total of 58 firefighters and 18 fire apparatus worked to contain the flames.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames and thick black smoke billowing from the second storey. The mixed-use building housed businesses on the ground floor and apartments above. All occupants had safely evacuated before emergency crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.

Despite efforts to control the fire quickly, the structure sustained extensive fire and water damage, leading to a roof collapse. Due to safety concerns, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office declined to attend, citing the risk of further structural failure. Municipal engineers and economic development officials have taken over the investigation, but the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Authorities say the extent of the damage may lead to the building’s demolition.

Residents displaced by the fire are receiving assistance from victim services and Chatham-Kent police. Former Tilbury councillor and community advocate Mark Authier has been coordinating relief efforts for those affected.

“We have five people displaced from their apartments due to the fire,” Authier said. “The Tilbury Help Centre has agreed to collect items for them.”

Authier shared that one displaced resident, a senior woman, is in need of clothing and grocery gift cards. A mother with two children has also lost their home, and community members are working to gather the necessary sizes and items for donations.

The Tilbury Help Centre at 26 Queen St. N. is accepting contributions, including clothing and gift cards.

Century 21 Local Home Team, one of the affected businesses, announced a temporary closure due to the fire.

“Due to an electrical fire in the apartments adjacent to our Tilbury office last night, we are temporarily closed for safety reasons,” the company said in a statement. “However, we are business as usual, and our agents remain fully available to assist you with all your real estate needs.”

Several businesses suffered fire, water or smoke damage, including Main Street Hairstyles, Hair By G, Shear Perfection, Century 21, and Mai’s Nail Salon.

Authier expressed gratitude to the firefighters who battled the blaze, especially given the strong winds that threatened to spread the fire further.

“My heartfelt wishes go out to the businesses and employees who were affected. I hope they can rebuild and reopen soon,” he said.

“To the tenants that lived above these businesses, I hope you will be able to find another apartment in town.”

Chatham-Kent Fire Rescue has yet to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities urge anyone wishing to support affected residents to donate to the Tilbury Help Centre.

By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

Many of us know that sinking feeling when we have been of victim of theft. Imagine losing something that is your personal lifeline to everyday living. Michelle, a Belle River resident is that victim.

Michelle has cerebral palsy and depends on the bike to get around town. She used her adapted trike for a variety of things, such as grocery runs and visiting family and friends.  After she moved into a new building last year, the specialized bike was stolen on the first night. She has been without a bike for a year now.

“The bike she had stolen had been her transportation, her independence, it meant everything to her,” said Chris, a personal friend of the victim. “She had moved into a new residence…and somebody took the locked bike the very first night she owned it.”

According to Rick Anderson, Belle River/Rochester Goodfellows president, everyone knows Michelle in Belle River.

“If you saw that trike out in front of Tim Hortons, Foodland, Shoppers, you knew she was in the store,” said Anderson.

“The Goodfellows had a meeting, and we decided to replace the bike. We do special things like this if it comes to our attention, and if it wasn’t for the community, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”

So, the Goodfellows set about quietly finding a replacement trike.

Blaise Baillargeon, owner of Source for Sports in Belle River, assembled and adjusted the trike on his own time as a way of giving back to the community. He also provided a new lock for her.

“The bike is a three-wheeler that is stable and good for getting around,” he said. “However, in her case the bike needs to be set up to accommodate her special needs. You can’t just go out and purchase a replacement bike.”

“This is just good for the community and the right thing to do,” added a humble Baillargeon.

The bike was shipped from Ohio.

“If it wasn’t for the community and our vendors, we wouldn’t be able to do anything like this,” said Anderson. “The organization is more than just our basket giveaway during the holidays, if we hear of those needing assistance through the year, we step up and assist but, it’s the community that donates to our banquet and especially our newspaper sales. All proceeds are used to help those in need throughout the year.”

Friend Chris speculates that someone had planned the theft out in advance, cutting all three locks with bolt cutters.

Getting around was going to be a challenge as public transportation was difficult for her to use and taxicab and Uber expenses are out of reach.

“It was really hard on her, she’s independent, and it’s been very hard for her to ask for assistance over the past year,” said Chris. “What the Goodfellows have done is give her an amazing gift…one she is very grateful for…it means a lot to her.”

“You can tell she was very happy by her face when she received the bike,” Chris added. “It’s a great step to regaining that independence and getting her life back in balance.”