The Municipality of Meaford and the Meaford Fire Department have provided an update following a structure fire on Nelson Street West on the evening of July 21, 2026.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Meaford Fire Department received a call regarding a structure fire at a single-family home on Nelson Street West near Gardiner Street.
Two homes were impacted by the fire. The fire started at 509 Nelson Street West and spread by wind to 501 Nelson Street West. The home at 509 Nelson Street West was occupied at the time, and residents quickly evacuated. The spread was due to wind conditions and was not related to dry weather conditions.
Inter Township Fire Department was called at the time of the initial dispatch. The Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Department and Inter Township Derby firefighters were called at approximately 8:30 p.m. to provide mutual support. Grey Highlands Fire Department was later stationed at the Meaford Fire Hall on standby to maintain emergency response coverage for the community while crews remained engaged at the incident. In total, 35 firefighters responded to assist.
The Ontario Fire Marshal was notified due to the dollar amount of the damage but did not attend the scene.
At approximately 8:47 p.m., fire crews switched to defensive operations to ensure firefighter safety. The fire at 501 Nelson Street West was declared under control at approximately 11:30 p.m. The fire at 509 Nelson Street West was declared under control at approximately 1:04 a.m. on July 22.
The official cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
“The Municipality of Meaford and the Meaford Fire Department thank the responding fire departments for their support, residents for their cooperation while emergency crews were on scene, and the individuals and businesses who donated food and drinks to support firefighters during the response,” said the municipality.
