Courtesy of Régie Incendie Memphrémagog Est
Firefighters from Stations 3 and 4 work together to contain a chimney fire in North Hatley on Jan. 16,

Chimney fire in North Hatley contained

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A tragic and busy day for local fire crews unfolded on Jan. 16, as a man in his 60s died after falling through thin ice on Lake Memphremagog near Fitch Bay. Later that afternoon, firefighters responded to a chimney fire in North Hatley, underlining the critical importance of winter safety.

Fatal incident on Lake Memphremagog

At approximately 11:50 a.m., emergency services were called to Lake Memphremagog after a man was reported to have fallen through the ice. His family, concerned when they could not reach him, alerted authorities, who arrived roughly 15 minutes later.

According to Stanstead Township Fire Battalion Chief Brian Wharry who led the recovery, the call involved teams from Station 2 in Fitch Bay and Station 3 in Ayer’s Cliff. Using a Polar 75 rescue boat and ropes, the certified ice water rescue team reached the man, who was unconscious by the time firefighters arrived. “The rescue operation was carried out under very challenging conditions due to the thin ice,” Wharry said in an interview the same day.

Despite the team’s rapid response, the man was eventually pronounced deceased. On Jan. 17, Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Laurie Avoine confirmed the cause of death as hypothermia. Wharry noted that the ice was only a few inches thick where the man fell, adding, “We are seeing more freeze-thaw cycles, which result in weaker ice that is far less predictable.”

Dany Brus, director of Régie Incendie Memphrémagog Est, emphasized in an earlier conversation that knowledge of local ice conditions is essential for safety. “You need to know the lake,” he said. “Some areas may look safe but can be dangerously thin.” Brus also stressed the importance of safety measures, such as carrying ice picks and checking ice thickness before venturing out.

Chimney fire in North Hatley

Later that afternoon, crews from Station 3 in North Hatley and Station 4 in Ayer’s Cliff were dispatched to a chimney fire at a local residence. The response ensured the fire was contained before it could spread beyond the chimney. “We checked the house to confirm the fire hadn’t extended into the walls or roof,” Brus said.

Chimney fires, according to Brus, are preventable with proper maintenance and responsible fireplace use. “The key is having your chimney cleaned by a professional at least once a year,” he said. Brus warned against burning wet wood or garbage, which can lead to dangerous creosote buildup. “Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct that’s the main cause of chimney fires,” he explained.

No injuries or significant damage were reported in the North Hatley incident, but Brus cautioned that neglecting chimney upkeep could lead to more severe outcomes. “A small fire can quickly escalate if it spreads beyond the chimney,” he said.

Fire crews focus on training

Both incidents highlight the importance of specialized training for fire and rescue teams. Wharry and Brus detailed how regular drills, including ice rescue simulations, keep crews prepared for emergencies. An upcoming training session on Lake Massawippi in February will involve both external instructors and internal trainers.

“These sessions are critical for ensuring we can respond effectively when real-life emergencies happen,” Wharry said. The Polar 75 rescue boat used in the Lake Memphremagog recovery, for example, is a specialized tool that requires practice to deploy safely and efficiently.