Some artifacts destroyed in fire at Picton Legion

Prince Edward County firefighters contained fire damage at Picton’s Royal Canadian Legion building to one first-floor room, but some artifacts inside were damaged.

The alarm sounded at about 11:53 p.m. Monday night at the historic building located at Main and Johnson streets in Picton.

“Firefighters first arriving spotted flames in the front window and quickly moved into defensive mode putting water in through the window and were able to contain the fire to the room,” said PEC Fire Chief Scott Manlow, noting some artifacts on the walls and some furniture was destroyed.

The chief noted water damage was minimal, but smoke damage will need to be cleaned throughout the building’s first and second floors. A solid, thick door to the room was closed, also helping to keep the fire in the one room.

“The door was closed, as it should be,” said Manlow. “Fires need oxygen and with the door closed, that also helped to keep it from spreading.”

Firefighters were on the scene for more than three hours. Manlow said the cause is electrical, and not suspicious. The building is insured.

Meanwhile, a complete burn ban continues in Prince Edward County due to the dry weather. Firefighters were called to a few grass fires over the weekend. Manlow said the ban will continue until enough rain has fallen to remove the threat from dry conditions.