by R. Bruce McIntyre
Special to Whitewater News
Admaston/Bromley Township (McPeak Line) — While Andrea and Barry McIntyre were cheering on their son Andrew, who plays for the Renfrew Timberwolves, in a play-off game at Ma-Te-Way Park in Renfrew last Friday evening, their family home on McPeak Line was engulfed in flames. Although nobody was home at the time, their beloved family dog, Russell, died in the blaze.
At approximately 8 p.m., a passerby called 911 after seeing the flames in the house. Although the residence is located in Admaston/Bromley Township, members of the Whitewater Fire Department were first to arrive through a municipal agreement.
A few moments later, members of the Douglas Fire Department arrived, and even though there were two crews on site, all they could do at that point was contain the blaze and keep it from spreading to a nearby garage.
Douglas Fire Chief Kevin Van Woezik said although the family dog was lost, it was fortunate there were no other injuries.
“This is a tragedy no matter how you look at it,” he said. “The only good thing is nobody was home. If a fire like this started at 3 a.m., you just never know what might have happened. Barry (McIntyre) was at the hockey game watching Andrew when he found out and he got back here pretty quick. He is pretty shook up and the whole family is having a tough time.”
Chief Van Woezik said 14 members of the Douglas Fire Department were on scene, and between the two fire departments, there was a total of three pumpers, two tankers and one rescue van at the site.
For Andrea McIntyre, the devastating fire has impacted her family, but on her Facebook page, she extended sincere thanks to all those in the community who have helped them over the last few days.
“Our family lost our home and our family dog Russell this past Friday, but we are rich in happiness because we are surrounded by family, friends, a community to support us everyday, but even more so during difficult times,” the post read. “Inner Peace will come in time. It is out there on the horizon, of that I am sure. Barry, Andrew, Sarah, Jason and I have our health, no one was hurt. So, our wealth is beyond measure. We know that is the biggest blessing in all of this.
“Kindness, oh so much kindness has poured into our family. The thoughts, prayers, messages, hugs, and so many acts of kindness have been sent our way that has helped us beyond measure. We are so very grateful to each one of you. Our family circumstance was not the path we would have chosen, but it is the journey we are on. We know with certainty we are not walking it alone today and in the days ahead.”
