Cornwall Fire Services Responds to Structure Fire on Third Street

Cornwall Fire Services responded to a residential structure fire in the 200 block of Third Street East at approximately 8:40 a.m. on February 1, 2026.

Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy flames coming from a second‑storey window of a row housing unit. Firefighters initiated an immediate interior attack, bringing the fire under control and limiting damage to a single unit. Several neighbouring units were evacuated as a precaution, and residents of the unaffected units were able to return around noon.

Cornwall Transit provided a city bus at the scene to offer temporary shelter for displaced residents while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

Two residents were home at the time of the fire. One individual was assessed on scene by Paramedics and transported to hospital with minor injuries.

At the time of the call, Cornwall Fire Services had 12 firefighters on shift and mobilized an additional 6 firefighters to support operations and ensure continued emergency response coverage for the city. The initial response included two pumper trucks, one aerial apparatus, and one rescue unit.

Two fire investigators have been assigned to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Third Street East was temporarily closed during operations but has since reopened.

“The quick action of neighbours and the prompt response of all on‑duty firefighters prevented the escalation of what could have been a significant structure fire,” said Leighton Woods, Deputy Chief of Fire Services. “Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, along with practicing your home escape plan, remain essential to keeping your household safe.”