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Seniors rescued from fire on eighth floor of Golden Age Apartments

One person is in critical condition in hospital

An early morning fire at a seniors building on Worthington St. West has sent one person to hospital in critical condition.

Fire crews responded to a fire alarm activation at 135 Worthington St W, the site of the Golden Age Towers at 1:38 this morning and discovered a fire on the eighth floor of the 11-floor apartment building.

"The first arriving fire crew rescued the tenant and the tenant's dog of apartment 803," said Fire Chief Jason Whiteley. "Firefighting and rescue efforts were strained due to the high amount of combustibles contained within the apartment."

The fire was contained in apartment 803. Golden Age Towers is North Bay's second tallest building, just inches shorter than Place Richelieu on Lakeshore Drive.

North Bay paramedics treated and took two residents to hospital and assessed several others on scene.

One patient is in critical condition.

North Bay Firefighters attempted to resuscitate two pets and took them to Blue Sky Veterinary clinic where Dr. Porter came in to assist.

"Unfortunately, both pets succumbed to their injuries," said Whiteley.

The department has specialized equipment for saving the lives of pets involved in fires.

See: Masks donated to fire department give fur babies a fighting chance

North Bay Police assisted with evacuations and North Bay transit provided a bus for temporary shelter for evacuees.

Members of victim services, as well as staff from the North Bay Golden Age Club, were on the scene to assist tenants and to arrange for temporary accommodations for tenants on the 8th floor.

The North Bay Fire Prevention and Life Safety Division along with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire in the 47-year-old building

"This incident reinforces the importance for building owners to maintain and have a functioning fire alarm system," explained Whiteley. "The fire alarm system at 135 Worthington St provided early detection and notification which prevented this fire from becoming much worse."

Building owners can contact the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Division to get information on their responsibilities under the Ontario Fire Code and any other Fire Prevention advice.


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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