On October 27, 2015 at 2:41am, 911 dispatch received multiple calls about an explosion at the Port Elgin harbour. Saugeen Shores Police and Fire and Bruce County EMS were dispatched to the scene.
On arrival at the boat storage area of the Port Elgin harbor, police found seven boats (sail and power) fully engulfed in flames. The boats had been lined up side by side for winter storage.
Residents in the area were gathering at the scene after being awoken by a loud explosion. The explosion and fire also caused damage to the washroom building which is located in the area.
There were no known injuries.
Firefighters from Port Elgin and Southampton stations attended to battle the fire and were able to prevent it from spreading to other nearby boats. Firefighters continued to fight flare up fires in the boats until approximately 7am.
Seven boats were completely destroyed in the fire. Police and fire are working at contacting the boat owners.
The cause of the fire and explosion is unknown at this time. The Ontario Fire Marshall’s office is attending to assist with the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Saugeen Shores Police Service at 519-832-9200.