Late afternoon fire closes Second Avenue West

North Bay Fire and Emergency Services crews are on the scene of a reported structure fire at 253 Second Ave. W.

One person was transported to the hospital by paramedics as a precaution due to smoke inhalation. Pets were seen being rescued from the residence. The road was closed between Cassells Street and Fraser Street.

Witnesses say the fire was located in the rear of the house, in the area of the kitchen and where smoke was emanating. No flames were visible when BayToday arrived on the scene but two trucks remain stationed outside.

NBFES personnel on the scene confirmed there were no working smoke alarms.

"I'm just glad this fire happened at 3 p.m and not 3 a.m.," stated Greg Saunders, North Bay's deputy fire chief. 

"There are no working smoke alarms in that building and the outcome of this fire could have been awful. Thankfully, they were awake and they realized they were in danger and able to safely escape the building." 

Saunders says this outcome could have been prevented as working smoke alarms save lives.

"There is no reason in 2024 we have people living in unsafe circumstances and that is just not right," he stated bluntly. 

Saunders says seven people were living in the home along with at least a half dozen pets including cats, dogs and a rabbit.

One female tenant was confirmed to have been taken to hospital treated for smoke inhalation.

"She will be okay as a precaution we asked her to go to hospital," said Saunders.