THUNDER BAY – A North End residence has suffered heavy damage after an afternoon fire forced residents to evacuate Wednesday.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue responded around 2:25 p.m. to reports of a fire at a home Lake Street, which runs parallel to South Water Street in the city’s north core.
Crews encountered heavy flame and smoke from a second floor kitchen fire on arrival, initiating an attack to knock down the fire from the exterior.
Firefighters then made entry to the second floor apartment, confronting heavy smoke and some spot fires throughout the kitchen area and attic space.
A search of the building found it to be clear of any tenants at the time. People were seen leaving the structure shortly before the fire was reported, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reported.
Police remained on scene Wednesday, with TBFR saying fire investigators continued to work to determine the fire’s cause.
The fire caused heavy damage to the building’s second floor, but the fire was prevented from spreading to other parts of the home and nearby structures, TBFR said.
A total of six pumper and rescue trucks, one aerial ladder, and one command vehicle responded to the incident.
In a statement, TBFR reminded residents of the importance of having working smoke detectors on all levels.
