THUNDER BAY - A fire at a north side housing complex caused extensive damage to a single apartment unit early Wednesday afternoon.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue firefighters responded to an automatic fire alarm at Bertrand Court on North Court Street just before noon.
“On approach we could see smoke in the distance so a second alarm was called for,” said Andy Hirslund, captain at Fire Station 5 in Current River. “Upon arrival, we had smoke exiting through the backside of the building through the door and the window. We made a quick initial attack and knocked down the fire.”
More than 20 firefighters responded to the fire, including five pumper units and an aerial ladder unit. The fire was under control within an hour.
“On arrival, the damage was confined to the unit in question,” Hirslund said. "Other crews were tasked with searching for extension and I don’t know what was determined at that point."
Hirslund added that the unit was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived and sustained extensive damage.
A single resident was evacuated from the unit and there were no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown and will be handed over to the investigation division of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.
Bertrand Court is a senior housing complex administered by the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board.
