Cobourg, ON – January 30, 2026 – Emergency services continue to respond to a fire that broke out early this morning at a Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) apartment complex located at 8 King Street West in Colborne. The OPP are asking that residents please avoid this area while emergency services work to extinguish the fire and ensure safety.
First responders were dispatched shortly after 4:10 a.m. and those first to arrive quickly evacuated the building. County officials have been on scene since the early hours, working alongside emergency responders to ensure tenant safety and provide immediate support. At this time, one tenant is unaccounted for.
NCHC Board Chair Cathy Borowec states “On behalf of the Board of the Northumberland County Housing Corporation, I want to convey that our thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual yet unaccounted for as they wait for news of their loved one. I also wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the many tenants who have lost their homes, and to all those affected by this tragic incident.”
Paramedics have transported four individuals to hospital with non-life-threatening concerns, including three firefighters and one tenant.
Roads in the immediate vicinity of the fire remain closed to support emergency operations. All other roads, including all County roads, remain open.
Approximately 20 people have been displaced as a result of the fire. Social Services staff will continue working closely with tenants to identify alternative accommodation options.
Evacuation Centre
The County’s Social Services team immediately activated its emergency response this morning and opened the Keeler Centre in Colborne as an evacuation centre. Partners with the Red Cross and the Ontario Community Emergency Assistance Program (OCEAP) have been notified and will be providing coordination support for this centre. Residents affected by the fire can visit the centre to access supports — 80 Division Street, Colborne.
Approximately 15 people are using the evacuation centre, along with seven pet dogs and cats.
Social Services Caseworkers are onsite providing direct support to tenants, including assistance with immediate needs and next steps. As many residents were forced to leave belongings behind, this includes coordinating access to phones so individuals can notify family and friends of their safety.
Northumberland Paramedics Community Paramedicine service is onsite providing non-emergency health supports.
The County Facilities team has been transporting residents to the centre and purchasing immediate supplies, including hygiene items, food, clothing, and pet necessities.
Donations
Our sincere thanks to community members who have been asking about providing donations and support, or who have visited the Keeler Centre with donations. Your caring response makes a difference. At this time, immediate needs at the Evacuation Centre have been addressed, and we are asking the community to pause on donations until any further needs are identified. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept financial donations at this time.
Thank you
County Warden Bob Crate states “On behalf of County Deputy Warden Mandy Martin, Mayor of Cramahe Township, along with all members of County Council, I want to share our deepest sympathies with all those affected by this terrible fire. During this incredibly difficult time, please know that your community stands with you in solidarity.”
The Warden continues “I would also like to take this moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organizations who have come together in response to this emergency:
- Police, Fire, and Paramedic services, who responded rapidly, ensured the building was evacuated, and continue to battle extreme cold conditions to fight the fire and keep tenants and the community safe;
- Donna Rusaw Black Dress Catering, Downey’s Pharmacy, and the Colborne Food Bank, who quickly coordinated this morning to provide food for first responders and evacuees;
- Our Red Cross and OCEAP partners, who activated quickly and are providing coordination and support at the evacuation centre; and
- County and Cramahe Township staff across multiple departments, who have been on scene since the beginning of this incident, supporting tenants and families during this hour of need.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The County will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
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