North Bay Fire and Emergency Services is again stressing the importance of having working and properly maintained smoke detectors in all residences following a Tuesday afternoon kitchen fire in a house on Second Avenue West.
See original story: Late afternoon fire closes Second Avenue West
One person was transported to the hospital by paramedics as a precaution due to smoke inhalation. The seven residents of the home were able to safely evacuate. Several pets were removed to safety from the home by firefighters. The road was closed for a time between Cassells Street and Fraser Street.
The residents have been displaced by the fire as the kitchen area suffered significant damage. The residents are being supported by Near North Victim Services and the Red Cross.
The outcome of the fire could have been far worse, according to Deputy Fire Chief Greg Saunders.
"There were no working smoke alarms in the home. As this residence is a rental, the owner of the property has been charged with three counts of failing to maintain smoke alarms in operating condition and further fire orders are pending. Each charge carries with it a fine of $360."
The first call for assistance came in just before 4 p.m. as fire crews from all three stations responded to a report of a structure fire at 253 Second Ave. W. Saunders reports the firefighters arrived on the scene within two minutes of the alarm.
"Upon arrival, our personnel encountered thick smoke coming from the front of the building," Saunders says. "Firefighters entered the home and very quickly extinguished the fire that was in the kitchen area. The cause of the fire has been determined to be unattended cooking.
"Working smoke alarms can provide you the early notification of a fire emergency that will allow you to get you and your loved ones to safely escape the danger. Working smoke alarms can save your life."
