Moose FM CFBG 99.5 - Muskoka

FIRE DESTROYS COTTAGE. This Mortimer's Point Road Cottage was destroyed by fire this afternoon. It's suspected flames spread from a BBQ. (Photo Provided by Muskoka Lakes Township Fire Department)

A fire has destroyed a 3500 square foot cottage located at 1184 Mortimer's Point Road north of Bala. Muskoka Lakes Township's Deputy Fire Chief Jim Schneider says just before 2pm today, a family was out on a boat ride when their neighbour called to inform them their cottage was on fire. The neighbour also called the Fire Department. While the exact cause is not known, Shneider says there are suspicions it spread from a BBQ. No one was in the cottage at the time, but two people were sent to hospital in Bracebridge after suffering injuries while fighting the blaze. One was a civilian who recieved a laceration to his chest while battling the fire before the Fire Department arrived. The other was a Muskoka Lakes Fire Fighter who was struck with heat exhaustion. Schneider says both were later released. The cottage was insured - the Deputy Fire Chief says there is a large boathouse on the property where the family will stay in tonight. He also reminds people to practice BBQ safety - if you are using your BBQ for the first time this season, check for cob webs and other items in the device which can cause fires. As well, apply soapy water to the connections of the BBQ if it's a propane device, to check for any propane leaks. Schneider also says the Fire Marshall's Office has been called.