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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.