Community support emerges after devastating fire in Lakefield
By Stacey Sullivan
The Friday afternoon of a long weekend would normally be a bustling day in the Village of Lakefield. Instead, it was marked by shock and disbelief.
Concerned residents and onlookers passed quietly along the sidewalk. The small amount of traffic was detoured, and vehicles parked blocks away.
The silence said it all.
The day after a devastating fire ravaged our downtown, community members gathered in small groups on the sidewalks, offering hugs and thanks to those who were doing what they could.
On Thursday, October 9, the Village of Lakefield experienced two downtown fires in less than 24 hours.
In the early morning hours of October 9, a fire broke out at Free Topping Pizza, on the corner of Queen and Albert Streets.
Free Topping Pizza located at the corner of Queen and Albert Streets remains taped off after a fire broke out on October 9. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)
Less than 12 hours later, at approximately 2:30 p.m., smoke poured out of the second-floor windows of the Kawartha Home Hardware building at 24 Queen Street. Local firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the blaze, with large amounts of smoke visible for kilometres. The building also contained five apartments, resulting in several local residents losing their homes.
Approximately 24 hours after it began, the fire was contained, according to a statement from the Township of Selwyn.
Signs of the blaze remained on Friday afternoon. Bricks and debris on the pavement, soot on nearby buildings, fire trucks and police vehicles in the street, and first responders supervising the scene.
Firefighters and first responders remain on scene Friday afternoon. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)
Amid the somber atmosphere and devastation were glimmers of community spirit.
Local business owners offered coffee and refreshments to first responders. Cases of water lined the sidewalks, and grassroots fundraisers began to emerge.
Sadly, Lakefield is no stranger to disasters. Most recently, a derecho in 2022 and an ice storm in 2025 devastated the Village and its residents.
Over the years, many well-known and historic buildings have also been lost or damaged by fire.
But at a time when we feel like there’s little we can do, we do what we do best.
We come together.
We do what we can.
Business owners, community leaders, neighbours, and friends all pitch in.
Water and supplies next to Herod Financial Services at 35 Queen Street. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)
At the time this article is written, the following fundraisers and initiatives have been launched:
Century 21 in Lakefield is collecting donations for those displaced by the fire. Items needed include men’s clothing in sizes L, XL, and XXL; women’s size 10 shoes; and clothing in sizes L and XL. Gift cards and cash donations are also being accepted.
Donations can be dropped off at the Century 21 office at 15 Queen Street on:
Friday, October 10 from 1 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Monday, October 13 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
If you are unable to drop off donations during those times, or would like to have your donation picked up, please call 705-313-4099.
Donations of clothing, cash, and gift cards are being collected at Century 21 in Lakefield. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)
The Nutty Bean Café is collecting “Pay it Forward” donations, where residents can purchase a meal at the café for those displaced by the fire. By Friday afternoon, a wall of receipts valued at over $1,000 had been donated for victims to redeem.
A wall of donations at The Nutty Bean Cafe, available for victims of the fire to redeem. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)
Lakefield Animal Welfare Society and Village Pet Food & Supply have teamed up to support displaced families and their pets. Free pet food and litter can be picked up during operating hours from Village Pet Food & Supply (3305 Lakefield Road) or from Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (2887 Lakefield Road). Boarding is also available through Redfern Resort (2813 Lakefield Road) for families who need temporary care for their dogs. Contact Redfern Resort at 705-760-2413.
If you are aware of additional fundraisers or initiatives to support the victims of the fire, please email hello@discoverlakefield.ca.
If we all do a little, we can make a big impact.
This story is developing, and more information will be added as it becomes available.