Black smoke from burning tires could be seen as far away as Osgoode and Merrickville Monday afternoon and it was a passing motorist that alerted the staff at R. Rose Automotive so that they could escape safely as their building went up in flames. The service garage was fully engulfed by the time fire crews arrived at 4062 County Road 43 east of Kemptville just a few minutes later, at 3:49pm.
Firefighters used quick suppression tactics to bring the fire under control but the building was beyond saving. County Road 43 was closed between Kimberly Avenue at Kettle Creek Subdivision and Van Buren temporarily to allow for safe shuttling of water to the fire. Damage is estimated at 2 million dollars. Fire services remain on scene as the fire is still under investigation.
Shop owner Mr. Rose was away on vacation at the time of the incident. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.  Photo credits: Steven Christoff, Drew Headrick, Robert Noseworthy
 
