NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH FIRE DEPARTMENT
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On Feb. 19, 2018, at approximately 12:40, the Guelph Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a structure fire at 49 Huron Street.
Arriving at the scene, firefighters found thick black smoke coming from a second storey window. It appeared that most residents had self-evacuated except for a female resident who was standing on a lower level roof to escape the smoke.
Firefighters rescued the uninjured woman and simultaneously performed an aggressive interior attack on the fire. The fire was quickly brought under control and subsequently extinguished. A thorough search of the multiple units in the building found no additional residents or fire extension.
Two residents were taken to hospital by Guelph-Wellington Emergency Medical Service (GWEMS) paramedics suffering from possible smoke inhalation. Some pets were rescued and returned to their owners unharmed. There were no injuries to firefighters.
The cause of the fire is believed to be a pot on the stove. There is significant fire, smoke and water damage estimated at approximately $100,000. All of the tenants and pets have been displaced temporarily, but were allowed to collect personal belongings with help from firefighters. A complete and thorough assessment of the structure will need to be completed before residents are allowed to occupy their units again.
Other agencies assisting on scene include Guelph Police Service, Guelph Transit, Guelph Hydro, Public Works, Water Works, Victim Services Wellington and Canadian Red Cross.
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