Thunder Bay Fire Rescue contains basement fire in duplex, quick response prevents further damage

Thunder Bay – NEWS – On September 12, 2024, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) swiftly responded to a structure fire in a multi-unit residential building on John Street Road around 2:30 a.m. The fire is believed to have originated in the basement apartment of the duplex.

The situation was upgraded to a second alarm as updated information warranted additional resources. Upon arrival, fire crews encountered smoke emanating from the basement and spreading to other parts of the building. The neighboring unit was evacuated immediately, and the homeowner of the affected apartment self-evacuated, thanks to a working smoke detector.

TBFR teams, equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), efficiently knocked down the fire in the basement, preventing it from spreading to the adjacent unit. Firefighters conducted a thorough search of the fire-damaged area and confirmed that no one was inside the home at the time of the incident.

Early investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by the HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) unit.

TBFR reminds Thunder Bay residents of the life-saving importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which provide early warnings and enable a timely response.