06/11/2026
Update 10:00pm with edits below.
Today is a difficult day, but I wanted to give an update on the devastating fire on King Street.
Right now, I’m afraid to say one person is deceased. I’m not sure how to adequately express our collective sympathy to the loved ones of this person, but please join me as a community in keeping your thoughts and prayers with their friends and family.
The fire department and police service will work with those impacted and who have lost their home to find temporary shelter. The Red Cross will be onsite at Town Hall until 7pm tonight as well.
King Street will be closed in that area until further notice as fire and police work to secure the scene and do their investigations. On behalf of all of us, I want to thank our first responders for their hard work and tremendous dedication to this community. Days like today are difficult and exhausting and these men and women are impacted greatly by the tragedy and loss. Please keep them in your thoughts as well.
I went to the site to thank first responders on behalf of the town and it was overwhelming to see so many fire fighters from so many different departments. Up to 15 departments were on site or activated to cover for others and we are beyond grateful for their help and support. They are exhausted and yet they are determined. This is bravery exemplified! I want to also thank the local businesses who have delivered food and water.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those working this site.
Quick sidenote: I’ve seen a number of comments about the fire department and volunteer vs. paid services. Today is not the day to dive into this. But I will say the Fire Chief was on scene within one minute of the 911 call. Police were also on scene within one minute and the very old wooden structure was immediately fully engulfed.
When things like this happen, I know it’s easy to just say ‘this is what needs to happen' but I think we can all agree that it is through the expertise and experience of our Bridgewater Fire Department Chief and Deputies that we make any decisions on our fire services. Indeed, these types of conversations happen regularly and events like the 2017 King Street fire and the one today absolutely shape those conversations. I would ask that we let BFD and BPS do their work, gather all the information and make any recommendations they need to.
Today we are focused on ensuring the fire is out, finding shelter for those displaced and being there for those who were worried about their friend and loved one and now with the update from police tonight, are mourning this loss.
Please continue to avoid the impacted area and I ask that you not share names, share misinformation or speculate about things out of respect for the people who lost everything today.
