Kitchener Fire Department: Major incident report – October 16, 2026
On Friday, October 16, at 8:23 p.m., Kitchener Fire crews responded to a significant structure fire involving an eight-unit residential townhouse block on Activa Avenue. Upon arrival, crews encountered a fire affecting four units and extended into the attic spaces.
A primary search of the building has been completed. Fire crews will remain on scene to monitor for hot spots, conduct overhaul operations, and secure the property. The Ontario Fire Marshal will be notified, and Kitchener Fire's investigation team will attend in the morning to begin determining the cause of the fire.
Residents of the affected units will be displaced, and hydro meters are being removed as a precaution. Damage is currently estimated between $500,000 and $750,000. There is structural roof damage to the four affected units.
There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters, and the fire is not considered suspicious at this time.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.