The Timmins Fire Department has concluded active fire operations at 11 Spruce St. S., Empire Complex. The building’s top two floors have been thoroughly inspected with thermal imaging to confirm that the fire has been fully extinguished. The City’s Chief Building Official, Esa Saarela, has inspected the building with a certified structural engineer, and concluded that the building is structurally safe. The property was turned over to the building’s property manager at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024.
Investigation into the cause of the fire has been completed by the City’s Fire Prevention Officer, and is determined to be accidental. The property owner is now responsible for the building, including who is allowed to enter and how personal belongings of evacuated tenants will be retrieved. The Property Manager for the building is in contact with residents being temporarily housed at the Bon-Air Motel. Future plans for the building will be determined by the property owner.
Timmins Fire Chief, Berny Stansa, is quick to point out how proud he is of the career and volunteer firefighters who worked together to safely evacuate tenants and extinguish the fire.
“This type of fire is extremely challenging and equally frustrating for firefighters,” says Stansa. “The decision to go from interior attack to defensive mode is a difficult decision, and is usually made when the commanding officer feels that the structural integrity of the building, or fire conditions worsen, to the point where firefighter safety is in question. Firefighters would rather be inside the building, trying to put the fire out. In this case, our officer made the right call, as any fire that is burning overhead can be perilous.
“Over 30 firefighters were on scene, and each one did an incredible job. A significant amount of manpower was required for this fire, with supply lines fed from six different hydrants to four different apparatus. We are very fortunate that our volunteer firefighters always step up when they are required to. That takes a great deal of dedication. Our crews worked many extra hours to try to extinguish a two-day fire. I am incredibly proud of them.”
Stansa’s pride and gratefulness is being echoed by Mayor Michelle Boileau, who also remained on-scene at the Bon-Air Motel to assist with coordinating housing response. “I witnessed the effort, care, and compassion of our firefighters firsthand,” says Mayor Boileau. “Their efforts were focused on evacuating tenants, many who had mobility issues, through hallways that were filled with smoke. They accomplished this quickly with no serious injuries reported. I am incredibly proud of the Timmins Fire Department, our career and volunteer firefighters, and administrative staff who worked quickly to ensure the safety of the Empire Complex tenants.
“I also want to comment on the generosity of people in our community. It was humbling to see. Residents and businesses were bringing food for our firefighters, concerned about their wellbeing. They were donating food, monetary donations, and clothing to the evacuated tenants. One thing we can all be proud of is that this city knows how to step up and support each other. Thank you.”
The area around 11 Spruce St. S. will remain closed to traffic and pedestrians due to safety concerns with ice and debris. The City is currently working with Belanger Construction Ltd. to mobilize the Connecting Link detour down Brunette Rd. and Second Ave. and the heavy truck detour down Shirley St. to Lafleur Dr. to help divert traffic. Demolition of the Algonquin Blvd. E. overpass is expected to begin next week as planned.
The City is also accepting monetary donations for tenants of the Empire Complex through Service Timmins. Donations can be made in-person by cash, cheque, or debit, by email transfer to [email protected], or by mail with cheque. All money collected by the City of Timmins will be transferred to the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) for distribution. Donation receipts will be issued for donations over $20. Donor’s name and address is required.
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