THUNDER BAY – One man was sent to hospital following an apartment fire Sunday night.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue responded to a report of heavy smoke on Sunday around 9:30 p.m. from an apartment unit on the fourth floor of Spence Court.
One occupant was visible at the balcony of the apartment unit where the smoke was coming from.
Crews began to establish an interior fire attack tactics to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in multiple occupancy buildings of this nature.
Within minutes, firefighters were able to access the smoke-filled apartment to extricate the lone man occupant.
Fire crews removed the man from the building and he was taken to hospital by EMS and treated for smoke inhalation.
Upon reaching the apartment unit in question, crews encountered a considerable amount of smoke in the unit.
Ventilation tactics were employed to quickly and effectively clear this smoke, thus preventing it from migrating to other parts of the building.
The cause of this incident was a cooking mishap that could have been more serious.
Smoke alarms working in the building alerted other tenants to exit the building or remain safely in their apartment units while fire crews worked to ensure smoke was kept from entering hallways and stairs.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue officials want to remind homeowners, landlords and tenants of the importance of maintaining working smoke detection systems in residential structures and multiple occupancy buildings to save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property loss.
