Police have confirmed one person has died after a fire broke out in an apartment building in Colborne early Friday morning (January 30).
Shortly after 4:10 a.m., the Township of Cramahe Fire Department, paramedics, and the Northumberland County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the structure fire at Maple Court Apartments at 8 King Street West. Operated by Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC), Maple Court offers one-bedroom apartments for seniors over 50.
After arriving at the scene, first responders quickly evacuated around 20 residents and their pets from the building, but one resident remained missing.
On Saturday morning, Northumberland County OPP confirmed the missing person was found dead after a search of the structure. Police have not released the identity of the victim.
The scene is still being held for an investigation involving the Northumberland OPP Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Services, the Ontario Fire Marshall, and the Office of the Chief Coroner.
As for the Maple Court tenants displaced by the fire, Northumberland County has deactivated an emergency evacuation centre at the Keeler Centre at 80 Division Street. On Friday, around 15 displaced tenants were using the centre, along with seven pet dogs and cats.
Tenants who need help finding housing have now been moved to temporary emergency hotel accommodations for up to seven days, allowing them time to assess longer-term housing options. Northumberland County social services caseworkers will continue working directly with affected tenants to provide housing support, identification applications, health and wellness coordination, and next steps.
“Our hearts are with the tenants who have lost their homes and belongings as a result of this devastating fire,” said Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate in a statement, which was released before police confirmed a missing resident had been found dead.
“Losing one’s home is profoundly difficult, and I want residents to know that the county remains fully committed to walking alongside them as they begin to recover and plan for what comes next.”
