
By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Bothwell residents are picking up the pieces following an early morning blaze that gutted three businesses on Main Street Friday.
Firefighters arrived shortly before 3 a.m. – mere minutes after a resident reported the blaze.
But due to the fire’s ferocity, little remains of the Bothwell Diner, a second-hand shop known as Mrs. A’s General Store and the town’s post office building.
According to Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case, a citizen reported “50-foot flames” coming out of a pizzeria at 2:47 a.m.
“Bothwell firefighters were on the scene within six minutes,” said Case of the volunteer response. “They found a very developed fire in the pizzeria (diner), and it had spread to the general store and post office.”
Case said the team called for backup, and a total of 40 volunteer firefighters from Highgate, Thamesville and Ridgetown joined Bothwell in the effort.
No one was injured in the fire that caused an estimated $3 million in damages.
Ironically, the blaze occurred only yards from the community’s fire hall, and assistant Fire Chief Adam Walters, who lives in Bothwell, quickly arrived on scene.
Cold temperatures and the fact a natural gas line was supplying the buildings compounded the problem. Enbridge workers had to be called in to shut down the line.
Case said an excavator was brought in to help firefighters get to the heart of the blaze. Demolition was required to fully douse hotspots and make the structures safe for operation.
The fire was extinguished by 10.a.m. The front and a side wall of the post office remained standing, however, an acrid jumble of rubble is all that remains of the other two buildings.

Officials said the teams had cleared the scene by noon and, based on statements taken at the scene, the fire’s cause has been ruled accidental.
Case lauded the efforts of firefighters.
“I am humbled by the work of the volunteer firefighters,” he said. “They were there all night. Some of them then went to work, because they have other jobs. It was a big team effort.”
The blaze evoked an emotional response from many on social media.
“Our little town has been devastated by the loss of three businesses on our Main Street this morning,” wrote Crystal Ashburn, who identified herself and her family as the former owners of Mrs. A’s General Store for 20 years, ending in 2020.
“Prior to that we owned Mrs. A’s Cafe (The Bothwell Diner.) My husband and friends work at Canada Post. It was heartbreaking to watch. It’s an emotional day in our town.
“Thinking of all the owners, our community and glad everyone is safe. Thank you to all the fireman for your hard work. We lost some history today but we are Bothwell Strong.”
“Heartbreaking for Bothwell,” wrote Rhonda McLean. “Kudos to all the fire departments who worked on this.”
“Terrible loss for the town,” said Stan Gammage, “but thanks no one was injured.”
“Such a tragedy to our little town,” Loraine Shaw stated.