FIRST STREET FIRE NOT CONSIDERED SUSPICIOUS ‘AT THIS TIME’: FIRE CHIEF
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
GRAVENHURST — Yesterday’s First Street fire that burned a home with two apartments is under investigation.
But it is not considered suspicious at this time, says Fire Chief Jared Cayley.
He says in a release almost 24 hours later, that damage to the property, which is insured by owner Dave Cruise, is estimated at $250,000.
The fire at First and Phillip streets started just after 4 p.m. Nov. 9. Several 911 calls were placed by area residents reporting a fire in progress.
Firefighters expressed thanks to Cruise and his son, Bruce, who was the first to call 911 and assure that all occupants had safely exited the building.
Firefighters from all three Gravenhurst stations rushed to the scene to find flames coming out of the second-floor windows of the home with the fire rapidly growing. Fire crews were able to quickly put out the flames and prevent any further spread on the property.
The building contained two apartments units which were both occupied by tenants at the time.
“This fire, again, underscores the critical importance of working smoke alarms,” said Cayley. “We want to remind the community that all property owners and tenants must have a working smoke alarm. It’s the law in Ontario.
“Once it starts, a fire in any building can double in size every minute it goes undetected. Early detection is critical to ensuring everyone can evacuate a building safely.”
Two dozen firefighters responded at the height of the fire, the last ones leaving shortly before 8 p.m.
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