Thibeault Tragedy

Thibeault Tragedy June 16, 1952Photographer: William Forder — **Thibeault Tragedy June 16, 1952**
*Photographer: William Forder*

These photos capture the heart-wrenching scene following what was likely the worst house fire in North Bay’s history. Fire broke at 6:30 am at which point all but one of the Thibeault children were home with their parents Julia and Fred. Julia dropped two of their children, Lee and Lorna, from an upstairs window where they were caught by neighbour Emery Chartland. Julia was also caught, and was brought to the hospital in critical condition.Tragically, she lost her life six weeks later in the hospital.

The Fire Department was delayed in arriving at the scene due to a policy that only allowed authorized personnel to call the North Bay Fire Department for fires within Widdifield Township. The tragedy led to an end of the problematic protocol after a mutual aid agreement was struck. In 1959, the Widdifield Fire Department was founded.

Richardson’s Fire

Arcadian Tea Room Fire

North Bay Museum