Fire in Downtown Bowmanville
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In the early hours of Thursday, March 6, 2025, Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS) responded to a fire in downtown Bowmanville. Please see the updates below to get the latest information or subscribe to our Community News updates to get the latest information in your email inbox.
Update #14: March 20 at 10 a.m.
Please see Durham Regional Police Service Update #3 on the fire in Downtown Bowmanville. As a community, Clarington is grieving. If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional impact of this loss, support is available.
King Street West, from Scugog Street to Silver Street, has been reopened to pedestrians and traffic. Crews have now moved to the back of the building to continue demolition work on units 69-75a. For your safety, please respect the fencing surrounding the site. Assessment of the structural integrity of the surrounding buildings remains ongoing.
Public information updates will be shared on www.clarington.net/BowmanvilleFire, emailed to subscribers and shared on social media. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to Clarington’s mailing list or follow Clarington on social media for ongoing updates.
Update #13: March 20 at 9 a.m.
Durham Regional Police Service Update #3 Fire in Downtown Bowmanville
Read the news release on Durham Regional Police Service website
Past updates
Update #12: March 18 at 1 p.m.
Update: March 18 at 1 p.m. - Demolition of units 69-75a is still underway and expected to continue through March 19, 2025. King Street West from Scugog Street to Silver Street will remain closed until the work is complete.
Investigators with the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) have concluded their examination of the scene and efforts to determine the cause, origin and circumstances remain ongoing. Read the full statement from Durham Regional Police Service.
In support of the business community, free parking in downtown Bowmanville (both on-street and in municipal parking lots) has been extended until the end of March. The Clarington Board of Trade has also launched a “Bowmanville Business Fire Relief Fund” that will run from March 18 to April 16. The funds collected will be distributed to affected businesses to help offset costs incurred as a result of the fire and expenses insurance may not cover. Learn more at www.cbot.ca/donate.
Thank you, Clarington, for your continued patience and generosity during this difficult time. Residents can find the latest updates and FAQs at www.clarington.net/BowmanvilleFire. You can also subscribe to Clarington’s mailing list or follow Clarington on social media for ongoing updates.
Update #11: March 17 at 12:45 p.m.
Durham Regional Police Service Update #2 Fire in Downtown Bowmanville
Read the news release on Durham Regional Police Service website
Update #10: March 15 at 12:30 p.m.
The Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) has completed the initial stage of its investigation at the fire scene and released the properties to the owners. Demolition crews will begin working to take down the remainder of building 69-75a this weekend, as the building has been deemed unsafe. King Street West, from Scugog Street to Silver Street, will remain closed into next week.
The structural integrity of the surrounding buildings will be assessed once the demolition is complete. Units 59 to 95 King Street West remain unsafe to enter, and security personnel will be onsite to secure the area. Affected residents and business owners should contact their property owner to understand next steps and timing for future access to the buildings.
We understand that the loss of this historic downtown building is difficult for many in our community. These properties are included on Clarington’s Cultural Heritage Resources List as ‘Primary’ properties, meaning they are among the best examples of a particular architectural style. Any future rebuild work by the property owner will require that materials, height, width, scale, colour, setback and design (including windows, doors and rooflines) need to be compatible and consistent with the surrounding buildings and streetscape.
The Region of Durham has advised that all displaced residents have been able to secure alternative temporary housing with friends or family or have arranged accommodations in nearby hotels. Residents will continue to receive counselling, social work support, and the distribution of gift cards thanks to generous donations from the community through the Salvation Army Bowmanville.
Update #9: March 13 at 1 p.m.
King Street West remains fully closed to vehicular traffic between Silver Street and Scugog Street as the downtown Bowmanville fire investigation continues, which is anticipated to extend into the weekend.
Street sweepers are set to begin cleaning up the downtown area early on March 14, focusing on areas with heavy debris between Temperance Street and Silver Street.
Displaced residents continue to receive support from the Region of Durham, including accommodations, counselling, social work support, and gift cards thanks to generous community donations through the Salvation Army Bowmanville.
After March 13, Clarington will shift from daily updates to providing information as it becomes available. Residents can find the latest updates and FAQs at www.clarington.net/BowmanvilleFire. You can also subscribe to Clarington’s mailing list or follow Clarington on social media for ongoing updates.
Update #8: March 12 at 2 p.m.
As a community, Clarington is grieving the tragic loss of an individual in last week’s fire in downtown Bowmanville. If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional impact of this event, support is available. Please read Mayor Foster’s statement on the devastating downtown Bowmanville fire fatality.
As of March 12, King Street West remains fully closed to vehicular traffic between Silver Street and Scugog Street as investigations continue. The north sidewalk is open, and parking is free in downtown Bowmanville.
Businesses in the surrounding area are open, and we encourage the community to support our local businesses by shopping or dining downtown. Clarington continues to work with the Downtown Bowmanville BIA and Clarington Board of Trade to provide support to those businesses that are temporarily closed.
Over the past week, we have been truly touched to see our community rallying around one another with kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. It’s times like these that highlight the strength and compassion that makes Clarington so special. If you are looking for ways to support those affected by the fire, please consider making a monetary or gift card donation to Salvation Army Bowmanville.
Clarington will continue to share updates with the community as they are available.
Update #7: March 11 at 11:30 a.m.
Read a statement from Mayor Foster on the Downtown Bowmanville Fire Fatality
“Our community stands in profound shock and deep sorrow. The tragic loss of a resident in the devastating downtown Bowmanville fire has impacted us all.
Since the first reports of flames, we have been deeply concerned for those living above the shops. As our worst fears are realized, our sympathies go out to the family, friends, and everyone mourning this terrible loss, including our dedicated firefighters, who are immensely affected by this tragedy. As a community, our hearts break for everyone impacted by this catastrophic fire.”
Update #6: March 10 at 8:40 p.m.
Durham Regional Police Service Update #1 Fire in Downtown Bowmanville
Read the news release on Durham Regional Police Service website
Update #5: March 10 at 3 p.m.
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) is continuing their fire investigation, which is anticipated to continue through this week. To allow better access for investigation, the OFM will begin precise excavation to remove portions of some buildings, which may include front facades.
Once the investigation has concluded, decisions will be made about the structural integrity of surrounding buildings and orders will be issued to property owners to outline next steps.
Clarington has received no updates regarding the unaccounted-for person. Police remain on site.
Displaced residents continue to be supported by the Region of Durham with temporary accommodations, counselling, social work support, and the distribution of gift cards thanks to generous donations from the community through the Salvation Army Bowmanville.
Road closure and detours
King Street West, west of Temperance Street to Silver Street, is open to local traffic only. King Street West remains fully closed to vehicular traffic between Silver Street and Scugog Street. The north sidewalk is open and parking is free in downtown Bowmanville to support local businesses.
Signage in the area has been updated. If you are not travelling to downtown Bowmanville, you are encouraged to detour at Liberty Street or Temperance Street for improved traffic flow.
View Frequently Asked Questions
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the first responders and community partners who have assisted in the response following this tragic event.
Update #4: March 9 at 1 p.m.
Clarington continues to work through response and recovery to the tragic fire in downtown Bowmanville on March 6. As of March 9, the site remains under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal.
Durham Region’s Emergency Social Services Team continues to support displaced residents with immediate needs and pathways to income and employment support and longer-term housing.
Supporting displaced residents with donations
Clarington is a community that cares, and it has been inspiring to see how we have come together to offer support and donations to victims of the fire.
Local partners and organizations are assisting with the collection and distribution of monetary and gift card donations. The primary lead is the Salvation Army Bowmanville. As there has been an outpouring of community support, we ask that the community is patient with volunteers at the Salvation Army, who are working around the clock to receive and channel donations.
At this time, the Salvation Army, Region of Durham and Red Cross are not able to receive physical donations, as they are difficult to manage due to the high volume of donations, the individual needs of residents, and the nature of the current temporary accommodations. Food donations pose risks with food safety. Please know that displaced residents have access to meals, vouchers and gift cards, and have direct support to request specific items they need.
At this time, the best way to help is through monetary or gift card donations. This will ensure donations are distributed to affected residents equitably, to best support their individual needs. Volunteers are not able to manage the high volume of physical donations at this time.
If you are a local restaurant that would like to provide vouchers for meals, please contact the Clarington Board of Trade for information on how to do so.
Clarington will continue to share daily updates with the community, which will include information about ways to best support displaced individuals as they navigate the path forward, including specifics about what is needed most.
As a reminder, we encourage those considering donating to GoFundMe campaigns to confirm the validity of these fundraisers as they are not endorsed by the Municipality, Region or Red Cross.
Thank you, Clarington. 💙
Update #3: March 8 at 2 p.m.
The Ontario Fire Marshal is on site and is expected to continue the investigation into the week of March 10.
Temporary fencing has been placed around 59 to 95 King Street West. The north sidewalk is open and all businesses on the north side of King Street West are accessible. King Street West remains closed to vehicular traffic from Temperance Street to Scugog Street. Businesses between Silver Street and Temperance Street are open and accessible despite the road closure.
Thirty-five individuals impacted by the fire are receiving support from Durham Region Social Services, including temporary accommodations, mental health counselling, income and employment support, and navigating the next steps toward longer-term housing options. The Salvation Army Bowmanville continues to collect monetary donations for affected residents.
Clarington has received no updates regarding the unaccounted-for person. Police continue to remain on site throughout the investigation.
Supporting downtown businesses
Despite the closure of several businesses, the remainder of downtown Bowmanville is open for business. We encourage the community to shop local, grab takeout, or stop by their favourite café or restaurant. Parking in downtown Bowmanville (both on-street and in municipal parking lots) is free until March 16.
Our team continues to work with the Downtown Bowmanville BIA and Clarington Board of Trade to provide support to those businesses that are temporarily closed.
We would like to thank the community for their continued support as we work together to recover and rebuild.
Watch a video message from Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster
Update #2: March 7 at 3 p.m.
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services has handed the downtown Bowmanville fire scene over to the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal to conduct their investigation. Units located at 59 to 95 King Street remain closed, and it is anticipated that the area will remain under investigation through the week of March 10. More information on timing will be shared as it becomes available.
Temporary fencing has been erected around affected buildings. King Street West will remain closed from Scugog Street to Temperance Street until further notice. Pedestrian access is restricted to the north sidewalk only. Businesses on the north side of King Street are permitted to open, however, customers will need to park on alternative local roads or in a municipal parking lot. The Municipality of Clarington has waived parking fees in downtown Bowmanville until March 16 to support local businesses in the area.
Residents of the affected properties continue to be accommodated by the Region of Durham’s Emergency Social Services team and Red Cross. Thirty-six residents have been displaced and one individual remains unaccounted for. Mental health support is also being provided to residents and John Howard Society is working with individuals to find longer-term housing options. For those looking to support displaced residents, the Region of Durham is unable to accept physical donations at this time. The Salvation Army Bowmanville is collecting monetary donations for affected residents.
Quote from Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster:
“Fire trucks are a familiar and exciting sight for curious kids during our popular downtown Bowmanville street festivals, like MapleFest and AppleFest. This week, the trucks were downtown for a very different reason. It's a devastating scene our community won’t soon forget. I'm amazed by the resilience of those affected by this devastating fire and in awe of how Clarington has come together in a crisis. Now the work begins to rebuild together. Our municipality will do everything possible to support those affected by this destructive fire. We have fenced off the affected areas and waived parking fees. We encourage everyone to come out and support the businesses of downtown Bowmanville. We will get through this together.”
Update #1: March 6 at 1:30 p.m.
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS) is providing an update about the structure fire in downtown Bowmanville.
Crews remain on the scene actively working to fully extinguish the fire. There is significant damage to the buildings. King Street West, between Scugog Street and Temperance Street, remains closed until further notice. Please continue to avoid the area.
It has been confirmed that residents were evacuated safely, and there were no injuries. One individual remains unaccounted for, but it is unclear if they were in the building at the time of the fire. The Region of Durham’s Emergency Social Services team has relocated residents to a hotel and is working to relocate families to new temporary accommodations.
Clarington’s Economic Development office is reaching out to affected businesses to provide support alongside the Clarington Board of Trade and Downtown Bowmanville Business Improvement Area. Businesses may reach out to the Invest Clarington team at ecdev@clarington.net for resources and support.
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services would like to thank all our partners for their quick and coordinated response, including the Region of Durham, Durham Region Transit, Red Cross, Oshawa Fire, Region of Durham Paramedic Services and Durham Regional Police. A special thank you to local restaurant 99 King, which remained open overnight to provide warmth, shelter and food to displaced residents and first responders.
The Ontario Fire Marshal will be investigating the cause of the fire. Clarington Emergency and Fire Services is reminding the public of the importance of early fire detection. Every second counts during a fire; please ensure you have working smoke alarms for your family’s safety. Find more fire safety information at www.clarington.net/FireSafety.
Read a statement from Mayor Adrian Foster
“This morning, our community is heartbroken by a devastating fire in downtown Bowmanville. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted.
We are sorrowful for the people who have lost their homes and businesses. As a community, we are grieving for the damage done to Historic Downtown Bowmanville—a beloved spot where residents shop and connect. Our municipality will do everything we can in the coming days, weeks, and months to support those affected by the fire as they rebuild and rise again.
Thank you to Clarington’s fire crews who worked through the night to protect our community, and our partners for supporting the response.”
Watch a video message from Clarington Fire Chief Dave Speed
March 6, 2025
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS) responded to a fire in downtown Bowmanville in the early hours of March 6. The fire has affected the businesses and residential units from 69 King Street West to 95 King Street West, on the south side of Bowmanville’s historic downtown.
CEFS crews have been working through the night to contain the fire, with the assistance of Oshawa Fire. As of 8 a.m., the fire is now under control but not fully extinguished.
Residents were evacuated into warming buses. The Region of Durham’s Emergency Social Services team, along with Red Cross, are working with affected individuals to be rehoused.
The Ontario Fire Marshal is attending to investigate.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Media Contact:
Melissa Westover
Manager of Communications, Municipality of Clarington
mwestover@clarington.net
Frequently Asked Questions
| Which businesses are now closed due to the fire? |
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The following businesses sustained extensive damage and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Clarington staff are working with the Clarington Board of Trade to help businesses navigate next steps for potential grants, re-location and e-commerce options.
Paisley’s British Shoppe, Romancing the Home, and Tattoo Kid will remain closed until a structural assessment is completed and it is determined that it’s safe to reenter. |
| What support is available for affected businesses? |
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Clarington’s Economic Development team is working with the Clarington Board of Trade and Downtown Bowmanville Business Improvement Area to coordinate response and business supports, including potential grant funding, relocation and e-commerce options. The Clarington Board of Trade has launched a “Bowmanville Business Fire Relief Fund” that will run from March 18 to April 16, 2025. The funds collected will be distributed to affected businesses to help offset costs incurred as a result of the fire and expenses insurance may not cover. Learn more at www.cbot.ca/donate. Businesses may reach out to the Invest Clarington team at ecdev@clarington.net for resources and support. |
| When will I be able to access my apartment or business? |
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Residents who have questions about the state of their building and how long remediation may take should contact their landlord/property owner, who will be responsible for completing any safety/remediation/demolition work based on orders issued by the Deputy Chief Building Official. Updates will also be provided through the Region of Durham Emergency Social Services team when available. If you are a business owner with specific questions about the status of the building or need resource or support, please contact ecdev@clarington.net. |
| What support is available for affected residents? |
| The Region of Durham’s Emergency Social Services team, along with the Red Cross and John Howard Society are working with affected individuals to provide income and employment support and navigate the next steps toward longer-term housing. They are also providing mental health supports as needed. |
| How can I support those affected by the fire? |
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We encourage community members looking to support those affected by the fire to make a monetary or gift card donation to Salvation Army Bowmanville. The Salvation Army Thrift Store is accepting physical donations to replenish their inventory after affected residents used existing store inventory for clothing and items to meet their immediate needs. There are many other organizations in the community organizing support and fundraisers. We encourage those considering donating to confirm the validity of fundraisers such as GoFundMe as they are not endorsed by the Municipality, Region or Red Cross. |
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What will happen to the historical buildings? |
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These properties are not designated under or subject to the Ontario Heritage Act. However, they are part of the downtown Bowmanville cultural heritage landscape, as outlined in the Clarington Official Plan. They are also identified on Clarington's Cultural Heritage Resources List as 'Primary' properties, meaning they are among the best examples of a particular architectural style. For properties on the Cultural Heritage Resources List, the Clarington Official Plan policies require future redevelopment and infill buildings in existing built-up areas to be compatible and consistent with the surrounding buildings and streetscape. This includes considerations of building materials, height, width, scale, color, setback, and design elements such as windows, doors, and rooflines |
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