THUNDER BAY – Residents of a south-side apartment building are being transported to a local hotel, if other accommodations are not available, after a fire tore through a unit on the second-floor of the three-storey building.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue inspector Kevin Anderson said the investigation into the cause of the fire is in its early stages.
“All we know is there was a fire on the second floor. Luckily it was contained to that second-floor unit. Unfortunately, the occupant of the unit has gone to the hospital for further checks on the individual,” Anderson said.
Because of the fire, power has been cut to the building, located in the 700 block of Kingsway Avenue.
“It affected the electrical panel, so we called in the Red Cross. We’ve got a city bus here to help house people who are going to be displaced. So, we’ll take care of them and do an investigation tomorrow. Hopefully the power can get on tomorrow afternoon and we can get people back in the building,” Anderson said.
It’s too soon to tell what caused the fire.
“We haven’t really investigated yet. We just know it started in the bedroom.”
Anderson said it appeared the victim suffered from smoke inhalation.
Several pets were rescued from the building and returned safely to their owners, though one pet was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
Police continue to hold the scene while the fire is under investigation.
UPDATE:
As of Saturday morning, second floor residents still have not been allowed back into the building. first and third floor occupants have been optionally evacuated as the building still has no power due to water damage to the electrical panel. power is expected to be restored on Sunday.
