Devastating fire at historic Timmins building, residents displaced

More than 100 local residents of a historic downtown building in Timmins, Ont. have been displaced due to a fire Saturday.

Fire officials said as of 2:45 p.m. on March 23, 2024 they had pulled all crews out of the Empire Complex building on Spruce Street South as the roof was starting to cave in from the blaze. (Facebook/The Voices Of Timmins)

The blaze occurred at the Empire Complex on Spruce Street South which originally opened as the Empire Hotel in 1928.

Timmins fire officials told CTV News in a phone interview that all firefighters were pulled out of the building as of 2:45 p.m. Saturday because the roof was starting to cave in.

Officials said that the fire had gotten between the ceiling and the roof.

Aerial water towers were brought in to combat the fire on the roof which has made it impossible for crews to continue to work inside the building.

Fire crews brought in aerial water towers to combat the fire on the roof of the Empire Complex in Timmins, Ont. on March 23, 2024. (Supplied/City of Timmins)

Emergency officials said no injuries have been reported in connection to the blaze.

Several area roads near the fire were shut down – starting with part of Algonquin Boulevard East between Pine Street and Brunette Road.

Residents who spoke with CTV News smoke could be smelt throughout the area and the smoke was visible as far as Hollinger Park as of 3 p.m. – residents added Sunday at about 11:00 a.m. that smoke can still be seen coming from building.

A fire has forced residents out of the Empire Complex at Spruce Street South and Algonquin Boulevard East on March 23, 2024. Emergency crews are battling the blaze. (Supplied/City of Timmins)

City transit services were also shut down for the remainder of Saturday at about 6 p.m. due to the smoke.

Any displaced residents are urged to present themselves at the Bon Air Motel on Algonquin Boulevard East where an emergency response team is set up along with a mobile crisis unit enacted by the Timmins and District Hospital and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) is also on hand to address other immediate needs.

Fire officials initially told CTV News that residents had been evacuated to Ramada Inn in error.

“Residents will continue to be housed at the Bon Air Motel for the foreseeable future,” the CDSSAB said in a news release Saturday evening.

The city is working on setting up an information line to coordinate donations and other efforts. More details of the information line are expected to be released Monday.

The Timmins and District Multicultural Centre and College Boreal Settlement Services also plan to assist any international students, temporary residents or visitors with visas who lived at or were staying at the complex and may have lost documents in the blaze.

Smoke coming the Empire Complex building as Timmins fire crews continue to assess the blaze on March 23, 2024. (Supplied/City of TImmins)

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau called the fire “devastating” In a statement Saturday night. She said the city is standing with those who have been affected by the tragedy.

"We are committed to providing the support necessary to help you rebuild and recover," said Boileau.

"The residents of Timmins have always shown their strength and unity in challenging times. Let us extend a helping hand to our neighbours in need and demonstrate the resilience and strength that defines our city."

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau talks with a resident of the Empire Complex displaced by the devastating fire on March 23, 2024. (Supplied/City of Timmins)

CDSSAB said the public is still asked to stay away from the area as emergency crews continue to tend to the scene.

“For further information about the evacuation or to find out about a displaced resident, please contact Cameron Grant,” said CDSSAB.

Emergency officials have not released any details about the cause of the fire.

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CDSSAB and the city said they are planning a public update shortly after noon on Sunday.