THUNDER BAY - An early morning fire sent two people to hospital and gutted the upper floor of a north side home.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue were called to 346 Grenville Avenue at 7:20 a.m. Sunday morning. Significant smoke and flames were seen issuing from the building when fire crews arrived on scene. A ladder truck was used to access the roof of the structure to get the fire under control.
According to witnesses on scene, a 22-year-old male was sent to hospital with possible second and third degree burns and smoke inhalation. A 21-year-old female was also sent to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
According to Don Lehto, who was living in the residence with his nephew, the fire started when a cigarette ignited the bedding in an upper level bedroom.
Lehto said the fire spread quickly in the bedroom and outside of the room.
“By time I got the fire extinguisher, there was smoke at the ground level so I got everyone out,” Lehto said.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire but remained on scene to put out any hotspots. Smoke could still be seen rising from the opening created in the roof by firefighters after 10:00 a.m.
Damage to the structure was extensive and the investigation is ongoing.
