Historic Lanark Village home heavily damaged in Saturday evening fire

A fire broke out at a historic Hillier Street residence along the Clyde River in Lanark Village on Saturday, July 4.

Thankfully, there was no one home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported, Fire Chief Stephen Rothwell told Lanarkist.

Firefighters responded shortly after 6 p.m., where crews encountered a working structure fire with flames visible from the rear of the residence.

Rothwell said crews quickly deployed multiple hose lines to attack the fire while simultaneously protecting a nearby structure from the intense heat and flames. Crews used nearby dry hydrants in Lanark Village and tanker shuttle operation to provide a continuous water supply throughout the incident.

The building likely dates back to the mid-late 1800s, according to local historian Linda Seccaspina. At the time, “the Clyde powered the village’s industries and generations of Scots built homes, mills and community along the water”.

“The unique construction of the home, particularly the stone structure, created significant challenges in accessing and extinguishing the fire,” Rothwell said. “Extensive suppression and overhaul operations were required before the fire was brought under control shortly before 11 p.m.”

He added that crews remained on scene into the early hours of Sunday morning, conducting fire watch operations to ensure there were no remaining hot spots.

“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding personnel, firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby properties,” Rothwell said.

Assistance was provided by the Drummond North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Department Stations (BBD&E and South Sherbrooke), Carleton Place Fire Department, Mississippi Mills Fire Department, Perth Fire Department and Smiths Falls Fire Department.

Rothwell noted the cause of the fire remains under investigation and is currently undetermined.