A fire at the Ontario Provincial Police Underwater Search and Recovery Unit’s facility in Gravenhurst has not stopped the team from responding to calls across the province. The blaze broke out last month at the 483 Bethune Drive building. Emergency crews were called to the facility near Winewood Avenue East, where the response lasted several hours. Despite the damage, the OPP says its Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) remains operational and continues to provide services around Ontario. “The USRU maintains the capability to respond to underwater search and recovery operations throughout the province,” said Jenna Thomson, a strategic communications advisor with the OPP. Following the overnight fire, the OPP says it activated its Continuity of Operations Program to help maintain critical services. Police are now working to secure a temporary location for members of the unit and replace equipment affected by the flames. If additional resources are required, the OPP says assistance could be requested from other police services. “At this time, it is too early to determine how long operations at the Gravenhurst facility will be affected,” Thomson said to CTV News. The OPP says talks have not yet taken place about the long-term future of the facility, like when it will be repaired, renovated or reopened. For now, the priority is maintaining the unit’s operational capabilities and ensuring services continue. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal.
