By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In the early hours of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, a suspected dispute between two individuals led to a fire that tore through 11 homes at 2039 Walkers Line, displacing dozens of Burlington residents.
The Burlington Fire Department and emergency responders were called to the scene around 1:30 a.m., where flames, ignited on a balcony, spread swiftly to neighbouring units. As the fire intensified, firefighters and police went door-to-door, often forcing doors open to wake residents and evacuate them to safety.
For the families caught in the blaze, the night was a frantic struggle to escape.
“I was cleaning the kitchen and getting ready for bed when I heard a loud boom, then people screaming. I ran to my window, and though I couldn’t see much, I could hear cries of ‘fire, fire,’” recounted one resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “Firefighters arrived quickly, but it took a few agonizing minutes to set up the fire hose and get enough water pressure.”
As emergency crews battled the blaze, about 100 residents gathered outside, anxiously watching their homes go up in flames and be doused with water. Power was cut off from the surrounding units from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., ensuring safety while firefighters worked to contain the fire. After nearly five hours, the flames were finally extinguished, but the damage was severe, with losses estimated at $2 million.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the affected units will need to be demolished and rebuilt, a process expected to take six months to a year. For the displaced families, this means months of uncertainty. Many have been forced into temporary housing, far from their community, workplaces, and schools, adding to their distress.
For Marcia, a resident of an affected unit, the fire has disrupted her life at a crucial time. “I just started my dream job in Burlington, and now I’m terrified I’ll lose it. DMS Property Management offered me an apartment in Hamilton, but it’s far from work, and my son would have to switch schools again,” she shared. “The worst part is, the fire wasn’t caused by anything in my unit, but I’m the one paying for it.”
Adding to the urgency, the Burlington Red Cross Emergency Support program, which covered hotel stays for affected families, ended its assistance on Monday, November 11 at 11 a.m. With few options, many are now facing the prospect of local shelters. For those without renter’s insurance, the journey to rebuild their lives remains uncertain.
“Winter is coming, and we don’t know where to turn. If we don’t accept the Hamilton apartments, we’re left with shelters,” Marcia explained. “We need to stay close to our community, our jobs, and our kids’ schools.”
Others in affected units have similar fears: some families may face challenges remaining within Halton Region due to this incident; those without tenant’s insurance are uncertain about how they will rebuild their lives or whether the property management company will impose fines for not having such coverage. There are also concerns about the safety of the affected families, especially if the fire is linked to illicit activity, as suspected by some residents, though the cause of the blaze has yet to be determined and is still under investigation. These are among the reasons why these individuals wanted to remain anonymous, as well as not wanting to appear ungrateful for the support they have received — they are — but for those with no safety net, the fire’s toll is just beginning to be felt.
Now, these Burlington families are calling on the community to support them as they navigate the months ahead. Donations of clothing, food, furniture, temporary housing in Burlington, and other essentials are urgently needed. Residents who wish to help can contact Burlington’s Red Cross or reach out to their city councillor.
As winter approaches, these families are leaning on the hope and compassion of the community, seeking relief as they face a long road to recovery.
