1:13 p.m. update by Kris Svela
Elliot Lake Fire Chief John Thomas said firefighters responded this morning around 3 a.m. to a fire at 7 Charles Walk after the fire department received a 911 call about an active fire.
Upon arrival on the scene, the fire department crew reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the second storey. Firefighters managed to get the fire under control around 10:17 a.m. with heavy fire damage to the structure.
The fire forced the closure of several businesses in the block and another nearby block that are working to clean up inside the businesses. During the height of the fire heavy smoke covered a section of the lower plaza. Crews remain on scene and are waiting for the arrival of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office to
assist in the investigation for probable cause of the fire.
There were no injuries reported and the estimated cost of damages remains unknown at this time.
Chief Thomas would like to remind the public to be cautious when discarding smoking materials and that every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
Original news release: 7:21 a.m.
Fire crews are currently working on Charles Walk. Residents are asked to avoid the area.
Homes and businesses in the area may experience water discolouration. If this happens, please run your cold water until it clears. Avoid using any appliances or hot water as damage may result.