At least 22 people, two non-profits and two businesses are displaced from a seniors apartment complex following a fire on Sunday.
Eastern Charlotte Fire Department responded to a fire on Main Street around 8 a.m. Residents were evacuated, according to Eastern Charlotte Chief Administrative Officer Jason Gaudet.
Fire Chief Justin Johnson told The Courier firefighters who arrived on scene were met with fire on the second floor of the building. Fire departments from St. Andrews, Musquash and Deer Island were called to assist.
“They (residents) were all out prior to our arrival,” he said on Monday. “Within five, ten minutes they had that building evacuated.”
Johnston explained the department had worked with the residents on fire evacuation plans and drills, an important step for those living in the building, especially those with mobility issues.
He confirmed one resident and one firefighter were taken to hospital and later released.
Atlantic Baptist Housing confirmed in a statement its building, Granite Court, had been damaged by the fire.
“All tenants were safely evacuated and there were no injuries or fatalities,” said Executive Director Victor Shea in the statement. “The building’s established emergency and evacuation protocols were implemented promptly by our on-site staff, Leslie
Mitchell, working in coordination with local emergency responders.”
It said its immediate priority was the safety and well-being of residents and is assisting, in partnership with community organization, on relocation efforts.
The New Brunswick’s Office of the Fire Marshall is investigating the cause of the fire, according to Eastern Charlotte Mayor John Craig. He explained Atlantic Baptist Housing will take back the building when the investigation is complete.
Shea said it is cooperating with local authorities working on the investigation.
“Atlantic Baptist Housing remains present on the ground and engaged with our tenants and the St. George community,” Shea said. “As we look ahead to recovery efforts, we will work collaboratively with partners, assess next steps and provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Craig said all tenants have been contacted and have found temporary accommodations.
The relocation of the St. George Food Bank and Community Living, Craig said, is still being worked on. The food bank will temporarily have its inventory moved to the St. George Mesonic Hall, with further details about its operations being worked out.
Johnston confirmed at least part of the building sustained significant smoke and water damage.
The St. George Pharmacy posted online that anyone in need of assistance for urgent medication needs can reach out, even if they are not a customer. Several organizations, including Repeat Boutique, have stepped up to assist those who are displaced.
Coun. Alexa Detorakis who represents Ward 3—St. George—posted expressing her gratitude to those involved in fighting the fire and stepping up for those who live and work inside the building.
“It’s hard to find the words for something this devastating,” she wrote. “Today is a heavy day, and my heart is with everyone affected by today’s fire. I’m deeply grateful to Red Cross, Extra Mural, EC Fire Department, Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), RCMP, Ambulance NB, Public Works, and our CAO, Jason Gaudet, for their ongoing efforts.”
She also thanked the community for stepping up. Several local groups have stepped up to raise money, but also donations for the food bank.
“Thank you as well to the community groups, local businesses, and volunteers who have stepped up to help. Looking out for our neighbours is part of who we are as a community,” she wrote.
Craig said the community has stepped up in a big way.
“One of things that is a good thing is you see the all coming together at a time when somebody needs help,” he said.
More information on those fundraisers can be found here.
— with files from Florence Mitchell
