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A large rural fire at Hernder Estate Wines has been brought under control by St. Catharines Fire Services with support from several neighbouring municipalities.
Fire crews were called to the fire at 1607 Eighth Ave. Louth at 10:02 p.m. on March 26, 2022. Crews arrived to find the original barn portion of the winery facility on fire. In response to the fire, St. Catharines Fire Services deployed its full complement of 27 firefighters and 12 pieces of equipment including ladder trucks, pump trucks and command units. Given the size of the facility and water-access issues associated with the rural location, firefighters and at least eight tankers from the neighbouring municipalities of Lincoln, West Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls were called in for mutual aid.
Crews had the fire contained to the original barn structure housing the winery’s store and banquet centre by 3 a.m. on March 27, preventing it from spreading to attached production and warehouse buildings. By 9 a.m. the fire was largely under control.
“Crews did a fantastic job last night and were able to save the production and warehouse sections of the facility, we can’t thank our neighbouring municipalities enough for their support,” said Fire Chief Dave Upper, adding, “our thoughts go out to the Hernder family for this loss.”
The fire started in the original barn section of the facility where it was contained. At this time a specific cause of the fire has not been identified. St. Catharines Fire Services will investigate after the conclusion of suppression activities.
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