Firefighters tackle challenging blaze on Griffith Island

The Inter Township Fire Department (ITFD) managed to extinguish a blaze on Griffith Island Saturday despite the remote location and high winds.

A caretaker called the fire department Saturday evening, but due to high waves the caretaker could not get a boat across to pick up the firefighters.  Just before midnight on Saturday, firefighters and equipment were brought to the island by boat.  The fire was contained to two out buildings, which housed a tractor and trailer.  Damage is estimated at $300,000.

There were no injuries or fatalities, and the cause of the fire is not known at this time.

“Windy conditions on Saturday night caused th­­e fire to spread rapidly. Our team did an amazing job working in the early morning hours to put it out.” said ITFD Fire Chief Jeff Gautreau.

Gautreau added it was good the fire did not spread to the larger buildings on the private island.

Griffith Island is home to the Griffith Island Club, a private sport shooting club in operation since 1973. It is the only facility on the island.

The ITFD serves Georgian Bluffs and Meaford.

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