Dozens of Residents Continue to be Displaced After an Apartment Fire in Tillsonburg

Monday, 19 April 2021 12:13

Dozens of residents, mostly seniors are staying at motels or with friends and family members after an apartment fire last night at Park Towers in Tillsonburg.

TILLSONBURG - Nobody was injured after an apartment fire at Park Towers in Tillsonburg Sunday night.

That's the good as the blaze has left dozens of residents homeless. Fire crews from Tillsonburg and Norfolk County Station 6 in Courtland were called to the just after 6:00 pm last night. Residents from 47 units had to be evacuated and watched the scene unfold at the Annandale baseball Diamonds.

Tillsonburg Acting Fire Chief Vanessa Devolin says everybody managed to get out safely.

“Everyone in the building was able to get out. Residents of the 47 units in the building assembled on the Annandale baseball diamonds prior to being transported by T:GO to the Legion hall on Durham Street."

Tillsonburg Mayor Stephen Molnar says they are very grateful for the Legion stepping up to help out last night.

“The Town of Tillsonburg is very grateful to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153 for graciously hosting residents affected by the fire. Typically, in an evacuation situation, we would open the Tillsonburg Community Centre but in this case, Legion president Dianne Hodges just happened to be monitoring her scanner and quickly offered the facility.”

Most of the residents at the home are seniors. It's not immediately clear when they will be able to return to their homes. Eighteen people are currently staying in area motels, with the remaining residents sheltering with family and friends.

Devolin says they were able to contain the blaze.

“The fire was limited to one apartment, however due to suppression efforts, the building received damage to the third floor, and significant water accumulation on the first and second floors. The entire building was heavily affected by smoke and heat. A further
structural inspection will be done on Monday.”

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries in the suppression effort. Devolin adds this fire serves as a reminder to everyone in the community.

"This incident should remind all of us that emergencies can happen at any time. Fires do happen. It’s important to have a working smoke alarm, practice your escape route and ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of an emergency.”