Minimal damage following Tavistock long-term-care home fire

Fire crews from Tavistock, Hickson and a tanker truck from Innerkip were called to a small fire in an office at peopleCare in Tavistock on Sunday afternoon. The home’s sprinkler system was able to put the fire out. Lee Griffi photo

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A heavy emergency crew presence at peopleCare in Tavistock on Sunday led to widespread community concern, but a small fire was quickly extinguished.

The long-term-care home officially welcomed residents and staff to the new facility on Oct. 28, 2024.

The formal grand opening celebration was held on June 25, 2025.

“The call came in at 1:42 Sunday afternoon,” said EZT Fire Chief Scott Alexander.

“Both Tavistock and Hickson stations immediately responded, as well as Innerkip’s tanker, as per our protocol for any structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters entered the building and discovered a small fire on a desk in a locked office.”

The sprinkler system worked perfectly and the fire was out when the firefighters gained access to the room. There were no injuries to either the residents or the firefighters. The fire marshal’s office was consulted and is not investigating the incident any further.

PeopleCare’s vice president of communications, Sheena Campbell, told the Gazette the small fire was located in one of the ground-floor offices and appeared to have been started by a laptop.

“Our team is following up with the supplier regarding any known issues with the make and model,” Campbell said.

“Thankfully, no residents or resident home areas were affected, and everyone is safe. Families were informed.”

Campbell praised staff members for following the home’s emergency preparedness plan and added the fire-suppression system worked exactly as designed, quickly extinguishing the fire.

“We had contractors inspect the elevators and fire systems, and they confirmed that all of them are functioning normally. The sprinkler system did activate, resulting in water on the main floor in the front reception area, and we had a restoration company come onsite to ensure everything is properly dried.”

In Ontario, the regulation requiring automatic sprinkler systems in long-term-care homes was announced in May 2013.

Campbell added peopleCare is grateful to the East-Zorra Tavistock fire chief and his team, as well as its community partners and contractors for their rapid and professional response.

“Huge thanks as well to our staff and families for their support and for always prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the home.”