Township of Cramahe Fire Chief Matt Halmasy says a fire that erupted at a Northumberland County Housing Corporation apartment complex on King Street West today (Friday, Jan. 30) is under control – but crews are expected to continue tackling overhaul into the evening hours.
Halmasy has also confirmed that the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has arrived on scene this afternoon.
The OFM was called in to help investigate the cause of the blaze. However, the 20-unit, two-storey apartment building has been completely ravaged by fire so determining a cause will be a challenge.
Halmasy noted earlier that fire alarms were working in the building.
Emergency crews have been at since 4 a.m. at 8 King St. W. It’s anticipated the building will be a total loss despite extensive efforts by a large contingent of firefighters and departments like Brighton, Trent Hills and Alnwick/Haldimand coming in to help at the scene.
People are still being asked to avoid the area and limit water usage.
Northumberland County confirmed earlier today that one person was unaccounted for, and about 20 people have been displaced as a result of the blaze. The Keeler Centre has been set up as a temporary evacuation centre.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
