Fire Damages Rona Grand Bend, Closes Highway 21 Section

A fire damaged the rona grand bend hardware store on Highway 21 in Grand Bend on Friday afternoon, prompting Lambton Shores Fire and Emergency Services to respond to the scene. By 6:30 p.m., Highway 21 was closed between Main Street and Greenway Road as crews worked in the area.

Highway 21 and Lake Road

Traffic was detoured away from the scene near Lake Road, where the highway is also known as Ontario Street South. The closure affected the road corridor around the store, limiting access through a section that connects local traffic with the rest of Grand Bend.

The fire department asked residents in nearby subdivisions to close windows and doors and shelter in place. West Region OPP also directed residents in the Lake Road and Pines Parkway areas to shelter at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Grand Bend RONA Response

The store is a RONA hardware store, and the fire caused significant damage. Further details were not immediately available, including the cause of the fire and the extent of injuries.

For customers, employees and nearby residents, the immediate next step was to stay clear of the affected stretch of Highway 21 and follow the shelter directions issued for the surrounding neighborhoods. The road closure and evacuation guidance left that part of Grand Bend operating around the fire response rather than normal traffic.