THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue (TBFR) responded Sunday evening to a report of heavy smoke from an apartment unit on the 4th floor of Spence Court. The initial arriving crews reported smoke was visible from the exterior showing on an apartment unit on the 4th floor. One occupant was visible at the balcony of the apartment unit where the smoke was showing from. A second alarm response was initiated by first arriving units.
TBFR crews donned self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and quickly began to establish an interior fire attack tactics to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in multiple occupancy buildings of this nature. Within minutes, crews were able to access the smoke filled apartment to extricate the lone male occupant. Fire crews removed the male from the building and he was taken to hospital by EMS and treated for smoke inhalation.
Upon reaching the apartment unit in question, TBFR crews encountered a considerable amount of smoke in the unit. Ventilation tactics were employed to quickly and effectively clear this smoke, thus preventing it from migrating to other parts of the building. The cause of this incident was a cooking mishap that could have been more serious.
Smoke alarms working in the building alerted other tenants to exit the building or remain safely in their apartment units while fire crews worked to ensure smoke was kept from entering hallways and stairs.
Homeowners, landlords and tenants are reminded of the importance of maintaining working smoke detection systems in residential structures and multiple occupancy buildings to save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property loss.
A total of six Pumper trucks, 1 Aerial Ladder truck and 1 Command Unit responded to bring this incident under control.
