THUNDER BAY -- Firefighters responded to a blaze in a main floor apartment at Spence Court on Wednesday night that resulted in the building being evacuated.
Acting deputy fire chief Jon Balabuck said the first firefighters on scene found significant fire damage and smoke in the apartment.
“The first units made an aggressive attack to the initial fire section of the area and did a quick knockdown.”
Balabuck said firefighters also performed a quick rescue of the person in the neighbouring apartment who had smoke inhalation.
Six pumper trucks responded with one aerial ladder command and some auxiliary units including police and paramedics.
City transit buses arrived to keep residents warm after they were evacuated from the building.
“It's great that transit stepped up to the plate and provided shelter for the occupants because there is a full evacuation in progress right now. Power has been cut to the building,” Balabuck said.
At 10 p.m., Balabuck said they were hoping to have the power back on soon, but first the fire-damaged apartment needs to be cleared by an electrician from the Electrical Safety Authority.
“If not, we have Red Cross, they're on standby, and we have West Thunder Community Centre right now opening up in case we have to shuttle people to somewhere warm for the night.”
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
