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
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Security guard shot, critically injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.