Barrie apartment fire leaves residents of 25 units homeless

The residents of 25 apartments in a multi-level building in Barrie were forced from their homes Monday night when fire broke out in their building.

The Barrie Fire Department was called to an active apartment fire just before 10 p.m. at 100 Little Ave., in Allandale. The fire, is believed to have started on the third floor of the building before spreading to the roof.

70 people forced from their homes took shelter down the street at the Allandale Recreation Centre front lobby, where they were met with paramedics. Barrie police say no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

There is no word yet on what caused the fire. The investigation is in the hands of the Barrie Fire Department and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal.

Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman took to Twitter early Tuesday morning to thank first responders and the various charities and organizations that offered assistance during the fire.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money to help cover the cost of damages, and to help residents devastated by the fire rebuild their lives.

Those wishing to donate new or gently used items can do so at the Rotunda of City Hall, located at 70 Collier Street in Barrie until Friday. Donations of blankets, sheets, clothing (infant and school age), diapers, pet food and supplies, and personal hygiene items are needed.