A long-time Chenaux Road landmark has been destroyed by an overnight fire.
Fire crews were called to JR’s Country Store about 1:30 a.m. April 8, says Whitewater Region Fire Chief Jonathan McLaren.
“The initial caller was a neighbour who observed the fire,” said McLaren. “There were people living there, fortunately they were not injured.”
JR’s was a one-storey structure consisting of a store, gas station and an apartment on end, said McLaren.
“When we arrived, it was fully involved. We took up defensive posture, called all of the five Whitewater stations as well as tanker response from Horton Township,” said McLaren.
Firefighting efforts were concentrated on protecting the gas tanks and nearby exposures.
“Fortunately, the tanks were underground so that makes it a little bit safer for us. There was also another structure quite close that we were able to save,” said McLaren.
He estimated the fire caused at least half a million dollars in damage. Cause is unknown but the fire has not been deemed suspicious, said the chief.
“It will be a total loss,” he said.
It was a busy night for first responders.
“Renfrew County Paramedics stood by in case there was a firefighter injury or patients and fortunately there wasn’t either of those. The OPP were also on scene providing traffic control and helping to liaise with the owner to ensure that everybody was safe and accounted for until we could make entry later on,” said McLaren.
Most crews had left the scene by 8 a.m.
The store operators, who took over ownership last summer, did have insurance. The fire chief said he believes their intention is to rebuild and re-establish the business as quickly as possible.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
