June 19, 2025

‘BOOM! FIRE DESTROYS GARAGE AND LIKELY HOME, ALSO SEVERELY DAMAGE’S NEIGHBOUR’S HOUSE TODAY

GRAVENHURST — What started as a “boom” ended up with a garage destroyed, a small home looking all but gone and a neighbour’s house severely damaged here early this morning.

Larry, the owner at 310 Muskoka Beach Road, said “I saw the side of (his detached) garage fully involved. “I saw the flames and heat coming through the kitchen window.”

“I called 911 right away” after he heard the sound.

**Larry, who lives alone at 310 Muskoka Beach Road, said he heard a “boom” and was just glad everyone got out safely today. PHOTOS Mark Clairmont**

Standing in front of the remains of his garage with a small charred truck inside and what’s left of his blackened home where he lives alone, he told reporters“there’s nothing you can do.”

He said he was just “glad” that the family of five that lives next door at 320 Muskoka Beach Road “was able to get out safely.”

He said he didn’t know how it started.

The family from 320 Muskoka Beach Road, sheltering in out of the mid-morning rain in the porch of their other neighbour, said they didn’t want to comment.

They said they were awakened by the sound of firefighters.

Their home, too, suffered damage notably next to garage, where melted siding was peeling off.

But on the west gable end side of their home extensive damage could be seen high up.

Firefighters were busy from the 5 a.m. call till close to noon.

Gravenhurst Fire Chief Jared Cayley said the fire started “in the middle” between the two homes pointing to the garage while he and local investigators examined the scene.

The fires took place just west of the Lofty Pines intersection across from the north end of Mickle Cemetery.

The road opened between 10-11 a.m.

A fire a couple years ago and just across Muskoka Beach Road further down destroyed a duplex, which is currently just now having something rebuilt there.