Haileybury in Temiskaming Shores in Timiskaming District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Haileybury Fire
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2022
1. The Haileybury Fire Marker
One of the “Ten Worst Disasters in Canadian History” occurred on 4 October 1922. Within six hours ninety percent of the Town of Haileybury was destroyed by a raging bush-fire. Strong westerly winds had thrown burning embers onto the Town and then changed to hurricane force from the north sweeping the fire unchecked through the area. Known locally as the “Haileybury Fire,” the conflagration covered in all an area in excess of 300,000 acres to the north. Here 3,000 people were left homeless while eleven perished and damage exceeded two million dollars. The lakeshore provided safety for the refugees who proceeded to rebuild, although on a much reduced scale.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is October 4, 1922.
Location. 47° 26.894′ N, 79° 37.813′ W. Marker is in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, in Timiskaming District. It is in Haileybury. It is on Farr Drive just north of Marcella Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker on the south side of the pavilion at Haileybury Harbour Place. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 451
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northeastern Ontario and specifically in Northern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Winter Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Haileybury Waterfront / Le Waterfront de Haileybury (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Convent / Le couvent (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Charles Cobbold Farr (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Haileybury World War I Cenotaph (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Court House / Le Palais de Justice (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); IODE Haileybury Chapter (1923-2013) (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Haileybury Fire Department (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2022
2. The Haileybury Fire Marker
Looking east from Farr Drive across the waterfront and Lake Timiskaming.
Also see . . .
1. Great Fire of 1922 (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: The Great Fire of 1922 was a wildfire burning through the Lesser Clay Belt in the Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada, from October 4 to 5, 1922. It has been called one of the ten worst natural disasters in Canadian history. Over two days, the fire consumed an area of 650 sq mi, affecting 18 townships in Ontario. It completely destroyed the communities of North Cobalt, Charlton, Thornloe, Heaslip, and numerous smaller settlements.(Submitted on July 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)One of the towns hit hardest was Haileybury which burnt down within 3 to 6 hours. Thick smoke caused panic and confusion. The town's residents were forced to take refuge in the cold waters of Lake Timiskaming and cover themselves with wet blankets. The fire destroyed over 90% of the town, killing 11 residents, leaving 3500 people homeless, and causing $2 million of damage.
2. A Brief History of the Great Fire 1922 (Haileybury Heritage Museum).
Excerpt: From the 15th of September 1922 and into the early days of October,(Submitted on July 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)the residents of the Temiskaming region enjoyed unusually hot and dry weather. Since authorities had lifted fire restrictions and everything was favorable for the setting out of fires to clear land, homesteaders took advantage of the situation. Meanwhile, to the south, in Coleman and Lorrian Townships, several small wildfires burned, accidentally set by campers, hunters, and prospectors. Then, on October 4, 1922, the weather changed, and a cold front blew in. Stiff breezes fanned the flames and carried embers to adjoining fields and forests. Caught unaware, people were helpless to contain the onrush of the combined fires. The entire area over which the fire burned was a hotbed of hundreds of different fires.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 20223. Sisters of Misericordia Tribute(on left side of the Haileybury Fire marker)
Hommage de la municipalité de Haileybury
« Aux Sœurs de la Miséricorde »
pour leur dévouement généreux et désintéressé auprès des malades
1929-1971
• • •
The Town of Haileybury pays tribute to
“The Sisters of Misericordia”
for their unselfish devotion to the care of patients
1929-1971The fire swept eastward toward the Quebec border, destroying Hilliardton, Whitewood Grove, Uno Park, and North Temiskaming, now Notre-Dame-Du-Nord, Quebec. To the west, Kenabeek and Osseo were razed and the fire burned to the shores of the Montreal river. The inferno swept down on to New Liskeard striking the northwest side of the town. The railway station and grist mill caught fire as well as several homes, but a fortunate shift in wind direction spared the main part of the town. Haileybury bore the brunt of a separate fire from the west and the entire town of 5,000 was almost destroyed. Proud public buildings, fine churches, the armouries and courthouse, homes, and businesses were reduced to rubble.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2022
4. Sisters of the Assumption Tribute
Hommage de la municipalité de Haileybury
« Aux Sœurs de L’Assomption de la Sainte Vierge »
pour 75 ans de service inestimable à la cause de l’éducation
1910-1985
• • •
The Town of Haileybury pays tribute to
“The Sisters of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin”
for their 75 years of invaluable contribution towards education in our community
1910-1985
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
