A fire in an Orono apartment building has sent a resident to hospital with critical injuries. A firefighter was also sent to hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.
The call came in at 6:52 am yesterday. Clarington Fire and Emergency Services arrived on the scene shortly after. Multiple trucks were dispatched to the fire. The fire was put out, and the building ventilated. Some burst water pipes in the building have caused localized water damage, said a media release.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Clarington Fire Prevention Staff are investigating the cause of the fire.
The Red Cross was called in to assist residents displaced. Residents will be able to return to apartments, which have not been damaged.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the resident who has been hospitalized,” said Fire Chief Gord Weir. “I want to remind all Clarington residents to have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes and outside all sleeping areas. During the Holiday Season, as you host family, remember to water all fresh Christmas trees, so they don’t dry out and become flammable. Test all of your decorative lights before placing them on the tree. Discard any lights with frayed cords. Make sure that your carbon monoxide alarms are working. Be vigilant; it could save your life,” added Chief Weir.