Fire leaves several seniors homeless in northwestern Ont.

A weekend fire at a seniors complex in Sioux Lookout left almost a dozen people in need of a new home.
And many more are in temporary accommodation because the fire left the complex, known as the Patricia Plaza, uninhabitable.
Fire broke out in the northwestern Ontario community around 7:55 a.m. Feb. 4.
Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police, Kenora EMS and the Municipality of Sioux Lookout Fire Services were dispatched to the fire on Third Avenue North.
The residential building has 37 independent living units for seniors and is operated by the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB).
“Officers arrived on scene and located a fire that was quickly spreading to adjoining units where residents were still inside,” police said in a news release.
“Officers then evacuated all residents. No injuries were sustained as a result of the fire.”
The fire was isolated to one wing of the complex, but police said smoke and other damage are making it temporarily uninhabitable for all residents.
“Many seniors left their residence with only the clothing on their back,” police said.
“The KDSB indicated on their Facebook page that all residents have received temporary short-term housing.”
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, police said. No foul play is suspected.
“Police would like to remind everyone to maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home and outside all sleeping areas,” the release said.
“Plan and practise a home fire escape plan so everyone in the home knows exactly what to do should the smoke alarms sound in an emergency. If you suspect a fire, call 9-1-1.”
For more information on fire safety, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What are the predictions for Canada's real estate market this spring?
The Canadian real estate market has been sluggish since last year, when prospective buyers started putting off plans to purchase homes as the Bank of Canada aggressively hiked interest rates eight consecutive times. But realtors see many edging toward a purchase once more.

Canada's population grew by more than 1M in a single year for the first time
Canada's population grew by more than one million over the course of one calendar year, breaking previous records, a new Statistics Canada report says.
China and Russia's complicated friendship, explained
Chinese leader Xi Jinping just concluded a three-day visit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a warm affair in which the two men praised each other and spoke of a profound friendship. It's a high point in a complicated, centuries-long relationship.
What made Beethoven sick? DNA from his hair offers clues
Nearly 200 years after Ludwig van Beethoven's death, researchers pulled DNA from strands of his hair, searching for clues about the health problems and hearing loss that plagued him.
Calgary doctor performs spine surgery on conscious patient
Last month, Dr. Michael Yang, a spine surgeon at Foothills Medical Centre, performed a discectomy to remove the damaged part of a herniated disc in the spine, on a patient who was wide awake.
Gwyneth Paltrow ski collision trial brings doctors to stand
Doctors and family members are expected to testify on Wednesday in a trial about a 2016 ski crash between Gwyneth Paltrow and a retired Utah man suing her and claiming her recklessness left him with lasting injuries and brain damage.
'I'm a Canadian': MP named in foreign interference report speaks out, refutes claims
The Liberal MP who allegedly benefitted from Chinese election interference is speaking out against the report, categorically stating the foreign government did not help him in his nomination campaign.
Canadians throw out millions of food products each year. Here's how to reduce that waste
Canadians are throwing out millions of food products each year, a practice that is not only harming the environment but also their wallets. Here are some tips to reduce food waste from an eco expert.
Shake Shack to come to Canada in 2024 with first location set for Toronto
Canadians with a hankering for Shake Shack's juicy burgers soon won't have to cross the border to satisfy their cravings. Toronto-based private investment firms Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc. announced plans Wednesday to bring the U.S. fast food giant to Canada.