A major fire Thursday has caused extensive damage to a Fredericton apartment building.
The Canadian Red Cross says at least 110 tenants were displaced by the fire at the 44-unit complex. The agency notes that the building has a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, all of which were occupied at the time.
“A decision by fire investigators on whether any tenants can safely access their apartments to recover any belongings is not expected until later (Friday),” the Red Cross wrote in a news release Friday.
The blaze at the four-storey structure broke out late Thursday afternoon on Clark Street, near Union Street, on the city’s north side. An update from Fredericton Police Force just after 8 p.m. said it was still an active fire scene.
Fredericton Police blocked off streets in the area, while firefighters from Fredericton and Oromocto battled the blaze. At one point, flames could be seen shooting out of the roof, and smoke could be seen across the river in the city’s downtown.
Volunteers from the Canadian Red Cross arranged emergency hotel stays and meals for 20 tenants in 11 apartment units, as well as financial aid for clothing and other essential needs. It’s expected the number of people needing assistance will grow depending on whether tenants can go back to their homes to retrieve items.
In a social media post on Friday, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs shared some words for the first responders and organizations offering assistance to the displaced residents.
“It’s gratifying to see people coming together to help those in need after emergencies such as this,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone involved including the many first responders who were on the scene including firefighters and police officers during this emergency.”
No injuries were reported, according to police. Fredericton Fire will begin an investigation into the cause of the fire in the coming days.
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