Update 11:15 a.m.
A North Bay police news release states, "Shortly before 8:30 this morning the North Bay Police responded to a call to assist the North Bay Fire and Emergency Services at a structural fire on Lakeshore Drive in North Bay. An investigation began as to the origin of the fire and as a result; Hector Ayotte, 53, of North Bay has been charged with:
- One count of Arson having Disregard for Human Life.
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Original story:
Arson is suspected to be the cause of this morning's fire at a semi-detached house on Lakeshore Drive according to Greg Saunders, Deputy Fire Chief.
"At just after 6 this morning personnel from all three fire stations responded to a confirmed structure fire at 776 Lakeshore Drive," said Saunders in a news release. "This address is home to residents that have special needs and is run by Nipissing Mental Health and Support Services."
A resident of the home admitted to BayToday at the scene that he "started the fire."
The residents are being taken care of by staff from the Nipissing Mental Health and Support Services. The investigation is in the hands of the North Bay Police Service. The Ontario Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate and determine the cause of the fire.
See: Fire damages Lakeshore semi
"Fire crews were on scene within four minutes," added Saunders. "Firefighters encountered significant smoke and fire on arrival. Fire personnel were able to enter the residence and managed to very quickly extinguish the fire by executing a positive pressure fire attack. The effectiveness of the fire attack significantly limited the damage caused by the fire although the home did suffer significant smoke damage."
The fire alarm system alerted the tenants to the danger presented by the fire and they were safely evacuated from the residence without injury.
