One person is in critical condition following a fire at the North Bay Golden Age Towers seniors facility.
Fire crews responded to a fire alarm activation just before two Friday morning.
North Bay Fire and Emergency Services Chief Jason Whiteley says the first arriving firefighters identified where the fire was located and rescued the tenant and the tenant’s dog. The fire was contained to apartment 803. Whiteley adds firefighting and rescue efforts were strained due to the high amount of combustibles contained within the apartment.
Whiteley says paramedics treated and transported two residents to the hospital and assessed several other residents at the scene. One patient is in critical condition.
“Firefighters attempted to resuscitate two pets and transported them to Blue Sky Veterinary clinic where Dr. Porter came in to assist. Unfortunately, both pets succumbed to their injuries,” says Whiteley.
North Bay Police assisted with evacuation and evacuee and scene management. And North Bay transit provided a bus for temporary shelter for evacuees.
Members of victim services, as well as staff from the North Bay Golden Age Towers, were on scene to assist tenants and to arrange for temporary accommodations for tenants on the 8th floor.
The North Bay Fire Prevention and Life Safety Division along with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating the fire.
“This incident reinforces the importance for building owners to maintain and have a functioning fire alarm system,” says Whitely. “The fire alarm system at 135 Worthington St provided early detection and notification which prevented this fire from becoming much worse. Building owners can contact the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Division to get information on their responsibilities under the Ontario Fire Code and any other Fire Prevention advice.”
