Commercial building basement fire sends five Six Nations firefighters to hospital

SIX NATIONS – A possible structure fire at 1676 Chiefswood Road in Ohsweken was reported in the early morning of Wednesday, September 16, leaving 15 firefighters potentially exposed to high levels of hydrogen cyanide.

Within three minutes of the initial call, Six Nations firefighters fighters arrived on scene, reporting visible smoke and flame on the Southeast side of an approximately 4000 square foot commercial business structure.

Upon entry to the rear door, the initial interior attack crew and primary search and rescue crew were greeted by visible flame coming from the basement and heavy heat and smoke.

After no civilians were found within the structure, Six Nation firefighters extinguished the fire within 20 minutes of arrival.

However, five of the Six Nations firefighters showed various physical symptoms and attended the Brantford General Hospital for assessment; all were treated and released the same day.

The fire and smoke damage is approximated to be $200,000, with the fire investigation continuing. At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown.

Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC), determined no threat to the general public and no need to evacuate anyone from the surrounding area.

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