Kitchener Fire Department: Major incident report – January 25, 2026

This morning, Kitchener Fire (KFD) responded to a call at a mixed-use building at Queen Street South and Charles Street East. The fire is believed to have started in a second-storey apartment in the building. Six trucks were dispatched. The fire is now out and under control. 
 
Two tenants from the apartment units have been accounted for, and work is happening to locate two other tenants. Primary and secondary searches of the building have been done by KFD crews. There are no civilian or fire fighter injuries to report at this time. 
 
A short-term disruption to ION light rail service is expected.
 
The Ontario Fire Marshals office has been contacted. The scene is being held by KFD crews and an investigation into the cause is expected. 
 
There are structural damage concerns to the building. Significant restoration work will be needed to the second floor of the building. Damage estimates are not currently available.