The investigation continues into a Thursday evening structure fire in a second-storey unit of an apartment building located at 490 Main St. E.
North Bay Fire and Emergency Services crews responded at 6:20 p.m. on Thursday and were immediately met with heavy smoke emanating from the both apartment of origin and down the second-floor hallway.
Fire officials say the apartment was fully involved and there is heavy fire and smoke damage in and about where the fire is thought to have started in a couch. Smoking materials were found in the area although a cause has not been officially declared. The firefighters' response was also hindered by the numerous contents found in the apartment blocking passages. One neighbour opened the apartment door and attacked the flames with an extinguisher before NBFES arrived.
Smoke alarms were functioning but, as one resident put it, in a 20-apartment building, the alarms go off often, making it difficult to decide the legitimacy of an alarm at dinner hour.
Although no injuries were initially reported, neighbours said they saw one person covered in soot leave for the hospital before first responders were on the scene.
NBFES Fire Prevention is investigating the fire and the Ontario Fire Marshal's office has been notified.
North Bay Police Service and District of Nipissing Paramedics also responded to the fire and the Red Cross was called in to aid any residents displaced by the incident.
This story will be updated as more information is released.
