Home destroyed by fire at CFB North Bay

At approximately 10:20 am, emergency response crews were called to 46 Parker Street and 42 Market Street, a duplex housing unit, which was on fire at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in North Bay.

There was immediate attention to the fire by the 22 Wing Fire Department, 22 Military Police Flight, The North Bay Fire Department, The North Bay Police Services and ambulance.

Construction engineers from 22 Wing were also called in to shut down immediate power as part of protocol.

The cause of the fire was quickly determined to be accidental and originated within the living room of the primary dwelling, which was consumed by flames within seconds.

The fast moving inferno had engulfed the structure completely and was beginning to collapse upon itself when local fire crews arrived, who quickly began putting out the remains of the consumed building.

Emergency crews were able to rescue a woman living in the adjacent semi, who was unaware of her dire situation, with a construction crew and other neighbours calling 911 to report the fire, which was so active, that surrounding structures melted and warped in the presence of the intense heat.

The woman was taken by emergency services to an area hospital, where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries and subsequently released.

The primary residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, although a married couple was living there prior to the emergency

Smoke and water damage were also evident throughout the area, particularly to the adjacent home beside the burnt out structure, which was saved from fire by a concrete wall that was installed between the two units.

The building was approximately 60 years old, with obvious upgrades that had been done throughout the years.

Damages are estimated to be around $400,000, with that cost not reflecting the contents that were lost in the fire.

Fortunately, the good folks at 22 Wing CFB North Bay will be able to house the displaced couple, as well as assist the persons who were living next door to the fire, while the houses are demolished, rebuilt and ready for re-occupancy.

In addition, military squadrons and units at CFB are rallying together to offer food, clothing and social support for all those affected by Wednesday's fire.

Colonel Sean T. Boyle, Wing Commander at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay, says that he was very impressed by the swift action taken by all emergency response units, which was in accordance with standard procedures.

“There was some great co-operation today, with the best possible outcome in a very tragic situation,” he says.