Fire destroyed a popular motel in Ferndale on Wednesday night.
The owners of the Bear Tracks Inn in Ferndale have reported what they are calling an unimaginable loss.
Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Chief Jack Burt says firefighters arrived within five minutes of the call, just after 7:30 last night, to see smoke coming from the structure.
"Volumized, pressurized, dark smoke coming out of the roof, fence and flames showing up at the back of the motel itself. It's a five-unit structure with an attached residence," he said. "This fire was completely consuming the interior roof line and spreading between all the units above where the units were."
Burt said it appears a fire started in a bathroom ceiling fan in Unit 1.
"It's a good reminder for people that those vents need to be cleared periodically, because there was a lot of dust and debris, which normally collects in those vents as they are exhausting," Burt continued. "It plugged up the exhaust port, which made it heat up in that housing."
Burt said the fire caused major damage.
"Damage is estimated at $2.2 million. A lot of that is based on roof damage and water damage from firefighting activities and smoke damage," he revealed. "The fire was suppressed very quickly, but it was a stubborn fire for us to actually get out, based on where it was in the roof and then spreading along the crest of the roof."
He credited working smoke alarms for ensuring the residents and guests escaped safely.
"All the units were occupied, and there were three people within the attached residential structure," Burt explained. "When we arrived, we safely evacuated everybody out of the units, which can be attributed as well to working smoke alarms within the entire structure, including the residence. It's just another reminder to people to make sure that their smoke alarms work. They're the one thing that could save you from a tragic fire death."
Burt credits a caring community for ensuring everyone had a place to sleep Wednesday night. The owners have also found another place to live for now.
There were 28 firefighters on scene from stations in Tobermory, Lion's Head and Wiarton until about 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning.
"It was a fast attack fire. We got in very quickly and were able to mitigate the damage," said Burt. "It's a testament to the dedication of our firefighters here in Northern Bruce Peninsula, as well as South Bruce Peninsula, in how well we work together here to protect the peninsula."
The restaurant was closed on Thursday as the owners, Jeff and Roberta Mielhausen, assessed their next steps.
"We want to extend our deepest thanks to the Wiarton, Lion's Head, and Tobermory Fire Departments for their fast response and brave efforts tonight," they posted on Facebook. "Your dedication means more than we can express."