Kitchener Fire Department: Major incident report – February 13, 2026

Just before midnight, Kitchener Fire (KFD) responded to a multiple-vehicle fire at an eight-storey apartment building located at York Street, behind WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital). The call was received at 11:57 p.m. The fire originated in the underground parking garage, starting with a gas-powered vehicle and spreading to three adjacent vehicles. The fire is now out and under control. 

Additional vehicles are expected to have damage from smoke and heat exposure.

Seven fire trucks were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke conditions within the underground parking garage, as well as limited access to the affected vehicles, which posed challenges for suppression efforts. Smoke was reported on all floors of the building, and ventilation operations remain ongoing.

Approximately 50 to 60 residents were evacuated to a neighbouring apartment building at York Street. Some residents were able to remain safely in their units. A GRT bus was also brought in to support displaced residents and was staged at Sun Life, at the corner of Union Boulevard and Park Street.

Two individuals were treated for smoke inhalation, with one person transported to a local hospital. 

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.  Damage estimates are not available at this time.

For more information:
Corporate Communications
City of Kitchener
media@kitchener.ca