UPDATE: Rooming house evacuated after mattress fire

THUNDER BAY – A mattress fire at a May Street South rooming house has residents scrambling to find temporary accommodations.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue was called to the former Odd Fellows Temple early on Tuesday morning. Most of the residents had already evacuated the building, alerted by a smoke alarm. Residents were redirected to Shelter House or the Red Cross for assistance until they are allowed back in the building.

The fire was located on the third floor and the occupant was removed from the unit by firefighters and treated on scene by paramedics. The unit sustained moderate fire damage and the third floor of the building moderate smoke damage. 

No timetable for their return has been set, but the fire was a minor one.

Police temporarily blocked off South May Street between Victoria Avenue and Donald Street while crews investigate the fire.

While on scene police led a man away in handcuffs, although it was unclear if it had any relation to the situation at hand.

Thunder Bay Fire Inspection will attend the scene to deterine the cause of the small blaze.