100 people displaced due to Windsor, NS, apartment fire

Approximately 100 people have been displaced due to a fire on Thursday in Windsor, N.S.

The Canadian Red Cross is helping them at a Royal Canadian Legion branch not far from the scene at Edgehill Estates, near King and Wilson Streets.

“My PlayStation is what can be replaced, but some pictures of my stepmom is what can’t be replaced, and that’s the most important thing I miss,” said nine-year-old Rylee Nicoll.

Her home, along with significant parts of the complex, was destroyed in the fire.

According to John Bregante, the town’s acting mayor, the fire started at about 2:30 p.m. and is believed to have been ignited by a lightning strike. There were no reported injuries.

“I had no idea it hit the building right above my daughter’s bedroom,” said Rylee’s father George.

The family was away from the home at the time of the fire; they’re currently staying with a family friend.

“Every little bit of history of the last 44 years of life, everything was in that apartment,” said George, whose remaining possessions are in a backpack.

The building they lived in is more than a century old and was once the historic Edgehill School for Girls.

Bregante said that local businesses are helping affected tenants access medications that were lost and providing hot meals, diapers, and toys.

“If they’re not able to find accommodations within the town, and that sort of thing, it’s difficult for a small town. It’s a significant loss even in the line of tax dollars and that sort of thing,” he added.

The Nicoll family said that, while they have very little at the moment, they’re fully stocked with gratitude.

“We’ve all suffered a great loss. I’m just really glad no one was hurt,” said George.

“I’m glad everybody got out,” added Rylee.