Bill McHale’s parents were the proprietors of the Douglas Tavern for close to fifty years. Despite the valiant efforts of McHale, who serves as the fire chief of Douglas, Ontario, approximately 100 kilometers west of downtown Ottawa, the establishment was engulfed in a devastating fire on Monday evening. Reflecting on the arduous battle against the unrelenting flames the following day amidst the charred remains, McHale expressed his exhaustion, recounting the recurring struggle to extinguish the fire completely.
The blaze was initially spotted by a local firefighter around 8 p.m., prompting the evacuation of five individuals from the building, situated just two doors away from the Douglas Fire Department on Queen Street. Despite the swift response from fire crews representing six departments across Renfrew County, the historic structure could not be saved. The intricate layout of the building, featuring multiple roof additions dating back to 1884, posed a significant challenge during firefighting operations, with McHale describing the renovations as successive layers of roofing hindering water accessibility to the core of the fire.
Efforts to contain the fire using an excavator inadvertently fueled the flames, causing a setback in the extinguishing process. The fire was finally brought under control after 3 a.m. on Tuesday, with McHale emphasizing the relief that there were no injuries reported. The tavern, a cherished “community meeting place” in the quaint settlement along Highway 60, held sentimental value for many residents, especially during annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that garnered widespread joy over the years.
McHale’s parents managed the Douglas Tavern from 1972 until its closure in 2021 due to economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, Amanda Todd and Dan Peters assumed ownership, transforming the space into a popular diner and furniture store. The tragic loss of the establishment deeply affected Todd and Peters, who found themselves standing amidst the wreckage, grappling with profound sorrow and disbelief. The couple mourned the demise of their business, describing it as a significant blow to both their personal and community connections.
While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, McHale confirmed that investigators have ruled out any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
