KAWARTHA LAKES-16 apartments were destroyed and 30 people have been displaced after a massive fire in Bobcaygeon on Thursday.
Emergency crews responded to the Princess Apartments on Main Street at approximately 4pm. Thick black smoke could initially be seen billowing from the building, later flames shot into the night sky.
District Fire Chief Dave Kish told Kawartha 411 News this morning that there were no injuries and everyone safely made it out of the building. Damage is estimated to be in the millions. Kish says he has an idea of what caused the fire but would not elaborate. He did say it was probably accidental.
7 fire halls with 54 personnel responded to the call. Several firefighters were on the scene for hours.
“It was a long, hard fire. We didn’t clear staff until 2:30 am and we still have two crews on scene.” Kish told Kawartha 411 News.
Kish says the fire alarms were tested within the last few weeks and passed inspection.
The Bobcaygeon Food Bank is open this morning and accepting donations. A number of other community members have been rallying around the residents impacted. Councillor Pat Warren is organizing a co-ordinating committee.
“I am really pleased with the community coming together and we are going to form a committee to coordinate all of the donations and help that people will be needing it. Lots of people are helping and it is really wonderful” said Warren.
We will update on community efforts to help those impacted.
Clarification: There are 16 units in the building.
