Early morning fire on Main Street claims life of family pet

North Bay Fire Department crews responded to an early morning structure fire Sunday that has left tenants at 839 Main Street West looking for alternative housing for the short term.

Chief Fire Prevention Officer Randy Vezina says the call came in at 4:44 am and firefighters were on the scene at 4:47 am to find the second story south side unit fully involved.

“Crews had to literally kick the door in as no one was home and once in mounted an attack line through the front door. They found the fire up against the south wall on the second floor and instantly hit it with water,” he explains.

“The fire was contained to the second floor apartment, unfortunately the tenant’s cat died.”

Vezina says there are seven apartments in the building and they all experienced damage. He pegs the damages to be at least $200,000.

“But we have no cause to be suspicious, we are satisfied that the fire is accidental.”

“We pinpointed the exact source location and cause, however, we are waiting to talk to the tenant who is in Toronto before releasing that information,” he says.

“The apartment will have to be gutted and the owner who is in Florida has been advised. Her insurance agent was on the scene earlier and a restoration team is now on the scene.”