The Township of Rideau Lakes was provided with the Final Fire Investigation report by the Office of the Fire Marshal on July 6, 2022 in response to a reportable large loss fire at the Portland Fire Hall at 20 Colborne Street on December 21, 2021.

Fire Investigation Services were enlisted to investigate the origin, cause and circumstances of the fire. Findings of the final report indicated a major occurrence, stating that the area of origin was determined to be the fire engine (tanker truck) in the west end bay of the fire hall. A sole Ignition sequence could not be established due to the extensive fire damage to the scene.

The area of origin was determined by the analysis of the fire patterns formed, the analysis of the dynamics of the fire, witness statements, photos and videos obtained during the investigation.

Consideration of Ignition Sequences identifies two different electrical sources that may have caused the fire. It could have been a malfunction in the charging system of the tanker truck, and/or an electrical malfunction or failure of the branch circuitry [the 120-volt AC receptacle that supplies power to the truck]. These two items were removed from the scene for expert examination.

It was concluded that the cause of the fire is classified as undetermined – unable to isolate ignition. Conclusions are based on the scene examination, as well as the data collected and analyzed during the investigation.

The investigation is now complete. The full report can be accessed by contacting the Township Clerk at