Video Transcription
On a daily basis in Lambton County, firefighters safeguard the health, safety, welfare and property of all Lambtonites! Working in the interest of public safety, firefighters are responsible for quickly performing various duties under emergency conditions. And these emergency conditions were full force the afternoon of May 21st, 1953.
A violent F4 tornado struck the cities of Sarnia and rural Lambton County. The over mile-wide tornado destroyed large sections of the downtown areas of Sarnia, as well as scores of neighborhoods in the surroundings areas. Seven people were killed, 117 others were injured, and damages were estimated at $10 million dollars.
Before crossing the St. Clair River into Canada, a thunderstorm dumped heavy amounts of rain and golf-ball-size hail on the city of Sarnia. This rainstorm sent motorists and pedestrians looking for shelter, thankfully. The rainstorm certainly reduced the potential number of tornado-related casualties.
The tornado passed directly through the downtown area where nearly a hundred commercial buildings were damaged. A four-floor hotel on the waterfront lost many of its upper floors, as did a furniture store on Christina Street. The Imperial Theatre completely collapsed. At least 150 homes on the more suburban outskirts of the city were reduced to rubble. Cars parked on the street or behind some of the buildings were either flattened or tossed into the river.
Firefighters worked through the night assisting people who were now homeless. The fireman also stood on call in case fire would breakout amongst the rubble. Flashlight-carrying squads were working tirelessly to clear the streets. Police, militia and RCMP quickly came to Sarnia’s aid that night, helping with the evacuation of about 500 residents, and to keep people away from the devastation.
Virtually every industry in Sarnia — including the three major firms — Imperial Oil, Polymer Corp. and Canadian Oil Companies — pledged to contribute every available worker to the general clean-up program. The meeting divided the devastated areas into sections, each to be cleared by separate crews working with heavy equipment.
Over 250 buildings were damaged, including 150 homes. To that date, it was the worst tornado to ever strike a Canadian city. Knocked to its knees by the worst disaster in local history, Lambton County pulled together as a team to overcome the devastation.
We salute the firefighters, police men and woman, hospital staff’s and the people of Lambton County for their act of bravery and courage during the worst disaster in Lambton County history. You truly are our Hometown Heroes.
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