Dozens of displaced residents are waiting to find out when they can return home to retrieve what’s left of their belongings after a weekend fire at a three storey apartment building on Adelaide.
Two people, a resident and a firefighter, were treated for minor smoke inhalation as a result of the blaze early Saturday that tore through the 46-unit structure between Oxford and Cheapside.
About 110 people lived there, and none have been allowed back inside.
When they are allowed to return, resident Erin Mullins says she won’t have much to go back to.
“I’m devastated. I lost everything, all my ID. I don’t even have ID to get ID. I have three kids. I’m lucky enough they went to their dad’s last night, but they’re supposed to come back and they’re going to come back to nothing. Everything’s gone.”
Mullins’ apartment is located above the unit where the fire began.
“On Monday we may be allowed, if the structure is ok, to go in to get some personal things but if not, we lose everything. And I’ve pretty much lost everything as it is,” Mullins said.
As a result of the fire, many will now be living with relatives, friends or staying in hotels until further notice.
“Right now I’m not too sure where I’m going to go,” said resident Jeff Martin. “I’m going to get a hold of my insurance company, and find out what my next steps are, but as of right now I’m not too sure.”
Residents of an apartment building next door, at 871 Adelaide Street, were evacuated from their units as a precaution.
Richard Church lived on the third floor near the western end of the building.
“We left with, basically, our clothes and the dog.
A temporary centre was set up at the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre on Elizabeth Street to help residents affected by the fire. Salvation Army volunteers, and other community agencies, attended near the scene to give out food and water and to help with temporary lodging needs and other matters.
Damage is estimated at over $1 million, and a cause still hasn’t been determined.
It’s not the only weekend fire under investigation.
A blaze early Sunday at a home on Egerton Street is being treated by Police as suspicious. A couple and their four dogs managed to safely escape the burning home. One person at the scene suffered minor smoke inhalation.
Most of the damage was concentrated to an area at the back of the house, but homes on either side were also damaged
Police are continuing to investigate along with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office.
Source: Dozens Still Homeless Following Weekend Apartment Fire on Adelaide St. | (CFPL AM) AM 980
