Yesterday (Dec. 1) just after 9:00 p.m., the Norfolk County Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in Walsh.
When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from a former automotive repair facility now used as a hobby shop for electronic bikes, carts, and similar equipment. Occupants living in the apartment above said they heard a loud boom, and moments later their unit began to fill with smoke. They and their pets evacuated quickly and safely.
Fire crews brought the blaze under control and prevented significant structural damage. Because of the rural location and limited hydrant access, firefighters used a tanker shuttle program to transport water to the scene and maintain a steady supply.
The building contained numerous lithium-ion batteries for electronic bikes and hobby equipment. Deputy Fire Chief James Robertson noted that while lithium-ion batteries are becoming more common in homes and small businesses—and are generally safe—they can create challenges when they fail. He added that firefighters did not encounter significant battery involvement during this incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Robertson encourages all residents “to follow proper charging and storage practices to reduce the risk of a serious fire.”