Update 7:30 a.m.The two missing people associated with the fire have been located safely.
The two main tenants escaped the blaze at 32 Lakeshore Dr. early Wednesday safely, but emergency personnel have been unable to locate two individuals who frequently stay in one of the units.
The fire in the triplex was still fully involved hours after the call came in. It is located across Lakeshore Drive from the Tim Hortons nearest the overpass.
As of 5 a.m., Deputy Fire Chief Greg Saunders said North Bay Fire and Emergency Services was coordinating with the North Bay Police Service to find them. "We are attempting ot locate two people that may or may not have been in the home at the time of the fire. If you know the whereabouts of Annie Johnson and Paul Montreuil, please have them contact North Bay Police."
Saunders confirms one of the city's busiest roadways will be closed at its north end, between Judge Avenue and Fodor Street, for hours. "We're going to be working on this for most of the day." While the major road is closed, detours are available through the nearby residential neighbourhood. Drivers are encouraged to plan their commute accordingly.
Crews responded to the fire call at approximately 2 a.m. and encountered heavy flames from the outset, Saunders reports. Despite a balmy late-winter day on Tuesday, temperatures plummeted overnight. "Our crews are tired and cold. They've been working their tails off, and we're going to be here right through the night and through most of Wednesday as well."
Lakeshore Drive will be closed and traffic will be detoured until further notice. Plan any travelling in advance and expect traffic congestion and delays.
This alert will remain in effect until the road re-opens, but the length of time until it is reopened is undetermined at this time.
BayToday will update this story.