Thunder Bay – Frigid temperatures and flames greeted fire fighters at approximately 4:18 am this morning, as Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue (TBFR) answered the call for a possible structure fire in an apartment building on Clarkson St.
Platoon Chief John Kaplanis says, Fire crews arrived on the scene to find significant smoke in the hallway of the third floor of the building and occupants of the building were attempting to evacuate.
Fire fighters located an apartment unit with heavy smoke conditions inside and they gained entry and quickly located a victim in the unit.
TBFR Incident Command requested a second alarm as the initial arriving fire crews on scene worked fast to evacuate and continue searching for additional occupants. Fire fighters were able to quickly extinguish a contents fire in the apartment unit in question, and began ventilation efforts on the third floor to clear smoke from the hallway and apartment unit involved.
Fire fighters rescued one male victim from the involved apartment unit. The male victim was transferred to EMS paramedics on scene and they transported the victim to hospital for treatment. The victim’s status in hospital was unknown at this time.
All other building occupants were moved to hallways and lobby areas on floors below the fire floor to protect them from the cold until they could be safely returned to their apartments after fire fighters completely cleared the building of any remaining smoke from the fire.
There were no other occupant injuries reported and all remaining building occupants were accounted for. Fire and smoke damage was contained to the apartment unit of the fire’s origin. Damage was moderate in the apartment unit.
The fire is still under investigation by TBFR.
A total of 6 Pumpers, 1 aerial ladder trucks and a Command unit responded to the scene.
