Arson suspected cause in south-side apartment fire

An investigator from the Fire Marshal’s Office is looking into the cause of a suspicious fire at an apartment building in the city’s south end.

Crews with the Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue were called an apartment building on the corner of Cumming and Mckenzie streets around 4 a.m.  Smoke could be seen coming from a basement window of the apartment building as crews arrived.

Firefighters quickly found the fire in a utility room located in the building’s basement and were able to bring the blaze under control.

The cause is still unknown but arson is suspected, said Fire Prevention Capt. Terry Hanchar.

“We have an investigator in from the Fire Marshal’s Office because the suspicious origin of the fire, it appears to have been deliberately set,” he said. “It is still under investigation, but it is of suspicious origin.”

About seven people were evacuated from the building, and no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. There's no visible damage on the outside. 

Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service are also investigating the fire.   

Meanwhile, hydro and gas have been shut off to the building.

The Canadian Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents, and making arrangements for them at a local hotel. It is uncertain when tenants will be allowed to return to their apartments.