Sunday, February 16th, 2025

Fire crews were called to an art gallery in Stayner yesterday afternoon.

Highway 26 was closed for a while as crews made sure the scene was under control.

Clearview Fire Chief Colin Shewell said an employee on duty at the gallery called 911 to report embers and light smoke inside the building.

The gallery, located at 7293 Highway 26, is owned by Frieda Linke.

He said the smoke was caused by a person doing roof repairs.

“Upon arrival we encountered light smoke inside the building and all people were evacuated. There was no one home in the apartments upstairs and it was determined that it was caused by a roofing contractor on an extension on the rear of the building with an open flame,” said Shewell.

The employee suffered minor smoke inhalation and was treated by paramedics on scene. She was not transported to the hospital.

Clearview fire called in an aerial truck from Collingwood as a precaution.

He said there is probably about $10,000 in damage, contained to the back office, and possibly some smoke damage to the artwork.

Shewell said the gallery is located close to a variety store and a furniture manufacturer.

“If it wasn’t called in quickly with early notification, it was a fast attack led by the deputy chief, it definitely could have had an effect on the infrastructure downtown,” said Shewell.

Highway 26 reopened at about 4 p.m.

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