Jan 18, 2026 • Last updated 14 hours ago •
A fire at a Hagersville business building home to the Port Dover Trading Co., Loft 22 Beauty Lounge and South Coast Tattoo caused the closure of John St. Saturday night and early Sunday. Photo by Jacob Robinson /SIMCOE REFORMER
Fire officials have stated that while the cause of the fire that significantly damaged three businesses in Hagersville on Saturday is still unclear, it is not deemed suspicious.
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Emergency responders arrived to see heavy smoke and flames coming from the windows and roof at the northeast side of a commercial building located at 22 John St. shortly before 6:30 p. m.
A video posted online showed flames erupting from the roof of the building around “6:25 p. m.” As noon approached on Sunday, John Street was still covered with ash.
Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s manager of emergency services and fire chief, mentioned that 37 firefighters were dispatched to tackle the blaze alongside OPP and paramedics.
Gallagher noted that strong winds and cold weather made battling the fire more challenging.
“Crews did an amazing job stopping the fire and keeping it contained, as it didn’t spread to the entire structure.”
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The area was cleared by crews around 1 a. m. on Sunday.
Gallagher indicated that there was significant damage as parts of the roof and floor collapsed where Port Dover Trading Co., Loft 22 Beauty Lounge, and South Coast Tattoo are located.
No one was present in the building during the fire, so no injuries were reported.
“Our hearts are broken,” the Loft 22 Facebook account shared on Sunday morning. “Loft 22 is more than just a space. It’s our dream … our team, and we are still processing this news.”
“For now, we are temporarily closed while we navigate next steps,” continued their message. “We promise to keep clients updated as we learn more and move forward. Thank you to our community for standing with us, and to the Haldimand Fire Department; we are so grateful for you.”
“Our power is all connected; until we can get lights and heat fully restored, we’ll need to remain closed for now.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbours at Port Dover Trading Co. and Loft 22 during this time. We’re keeping them close and sending all our support.”
Gallagher stated that investigations into this fire are ongoing; estimating property loss value is tough given both structure type involved along with businesses impacted.
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Scott Malcolm, owner of Port Dover Trading Co., remarked on Monday morning that “firefighters did a fantastic job at getting everything under control.” “The community support has been overwhelming,” said Malcolm. The incident also led to another business’s closure. Muck’s Pickleball and Social Club, which is also situated at this property, had to shut down due to a power outage. “The fire occurred at the north end of the building and was not within our space,” read a message from their Facebook Page.“Our power is all connected; until we can get lights and heat fully restored, we’ll need to remain closed for now.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbours at Port Dover Trading Co. and Loft 22 during this time. We’re keeping them close and sending all our support.”
Gallagher stated that investigations into this fire are ongoing; estimating property loss value is tough given both structure type involved along with businesses impacted.
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