Fire at Muskoka retirement home thwarted by staff, no injuries reported

A fire started inside a recessed wall heater located in a stairwell at Muskoka Traditions Retirement Home in Muskoka, Ont., on March 3, 2026. (Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Dept.)

Quick action by staff helped prevent a fire from spreading inside a retirement home in Muskoka earlier this week.

Fire officials say employees at Muskoka Traditions Retirement Home, on Legacy Lane, were able to put out a small fire keeping residents safe and avoiding the need for an evacuation.

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department was called to the home on Tuesday around 11 a.m. When crews arrived, staff had already extinguished the flames using a portable fire extinguisher.

Fire officials say the blaze started inside a recessed wall heater located in a stairwell. According to the report, staff noticed the problem, grabbed the correct extinguisher, and put the fire out before it had a chance to spread around the building.

Because of their quick response, the team says the fire was small and was limited to the heater area. The incident did not injure any residents.

Officials say the outcome highlights the importance of training and preparation. Back in November, members of the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department provided fire extinguisher training to staff at Muskoka Traditions.

The team says that training paid off.

“This is exactly why we focus on education, prevention and training,” says Steve Markham, public education and fire prevention officer with the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department.

“When people understand the risks and feel confident using the right equipment, they can stop a small fire from becoming a much more serious emergency. The staff did an outstanding job.”

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department says it offers fire extinguisher training and safety education to local businesses and community groups around town.