Traffic was closed for a large part of yesterday along a portion of Ritson Road in Central Oshawa as Fire Services battled a “significant” fire.
Nearby residents were asked to close their windows and doors to prevent smoke inhalation. Community members were asked to stay clear of the area south of Olive Avenue on Ritson Road.
The fire was brought under control by nightfall.
“Oshawa Fire Services crews have declared the fire out at Durham Tire, located at 491 Ritson Road South (near McNaughton Avenue). No injuries were reported by civilians or staff,” said an Oshawa City update at 4 pm yesterday.
“At this time, Fire Prevention personnel remain on scene, awaiting the arrival of the Ontario Fire Marshal. One northbound lane on Ritson Road will remained closed in the area until the investigation is complete, but all other lanes have reopened. It is now safe to reopen windows and doors,” it added.
Oshawa Fire Services crews were on the scene in the morning and began to actively fight the fire. Due to smoke, Fire Services asked all those west of Ritson Road South between Beatty Avenue and McNaughton Avenue to close doors and windows and stay indoors.
Emergency services, including Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) and Durham Paramedics with ambulances were on the scene to assist.
Ritson Road South shut down from Monash Avenue to Olive Ave as we assist Oshawa Fire Services with traffic points. Please avoid the area and use an alternate route until fire services deal with this ongoing fire investigation, said the DRPS.
Community Support
The community responded by offering nourishment to the firefighters. Both McDonald’s and FirehouseSubs offered food to the personnel at the scene.
“Thank you to @Alex Gerzon and his staff at the Ritson Road N. @firehousesubsca for making food quickly for our staff still battling this fire on Ritson Road S. Another great community partner,” said an Oshawa Fire Services tweet which also thanked Mayor Dan Carter, City Council, DRPS and Durham Paramedics for the support.
“Thank you to our local McDonald’s at Ritson Rd. S. and McNaughton Ave. for supplying our fire service staff with hot coffee and warm muffins on this cold and windy day. They are our proud community partner,” it added.
It was for the first time that Oshawa Fire Services used its new pumper. “Our brand new pumper/rescue at its first fire,” it tweeted.
