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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.