By Jenn Watt

Minden Hills Fire Department responded to a fire at a residence on Horseshoe Lake at about 5 p.m. Oct. 15. Large flames and smoke could be seen from a distance and firefighters worked quickly to establish a water supply, bringing water from the lake.

“We established two hose lines, worked from the exterior to knock the fire down fast and then waited for more crews to come in to work from the interior to slowly put the fire out,” fire chief Nelson Johnson told the Times. Dysart Fire Department joined Minden Hills through mutual aid, with more than 20 firefighters in total.
No injuries are reported from the fire, which was discovered by the renter when he arrived home.

“I would like to thank all the volunteer firefighters. … We were able to knock the fire down and have it under control in an hour,” Johnson said.
Following posts to social media, a man identifying as the renter thanked the firefighters and the community: “I got home at 4:30, firefighters were there by 5 and it was done by 7,” wrote Robb Watson. “I can’t express the gratitude my wife and I have for everyone in this area. Everyone we’ve interacted with has been so kind and caring.”

Watson said that he and his wife had found a place to rent and highlighted some of the acts of kindness they encountered.
“From the folk at Stedmans (some new duds for both of us!) to Molly’s Bistro (Thanks for a delicious all day breakfast the next day!) to the volunteer firefighters who worked hard to save the house, to all who offered help to find us a place to stay. Makes us realize we made the right decision to move here!” he wrote.

With files from Darren Lum