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.”

One person is unaccounted for and around 20 people have been displaced 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 a 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 the building and helped relocate residents to nearby safe locations while firefighters battled the fire. One resident remains missing.

According to Northumberland County, around 20 people have been displaced as a result of the fire. County officials have been on scene since the early hours, working alongside first responders to ensure tenant safety and provide immediate support.

“On behalf of the board of the Northumberland County Housing Corporation, I want to convey that our thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual yet unaccounted for as they wait for news of their loved one,” NCHC board chair Cathy Borowec said in a statement. “I also wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the many tenants who have lost their homes, and to all those affected by this tragic incident.”

Multiple fire departments from across the county responded to assist in controlling the blaze. King Street East was closed between Church Street West and Division Street while firefighters worked to contain the fire. Percy Street remained open to allow traffic to move through the area.

Paramedics have transported four people to hospital with non-life-threatening concerns, including three firefighters and one tenant.

The Keeler Centre at 80 Division Street is serving as an evacuation centre, and the Red Cross and the Ontario Community Emergency Assistance Program (OCEAP) will be providing coordination support for the centre.

Around 15 displaced residents are using the centre, along with seven pet dogs and cats. Social services caseworkers are on-site providing direct support to displaced tenants, including assistance with immediate needs and next steps.

As many residents were forced to leave their belongings behind, this includes coordinating access to phones so residents can notify family and friends of their safety.

Northumberland Paramedics community paramedicine service is onsite providing non-emergency health supports. Northumberland County staff have been transporting residents to the centre and purchasing immediate supplies, including hygiene items, food, clothing, and pet necessities.

“Our sincere thanks to community members who have been asking about providing donations and support, or who have visited the Keeler Centre with donations,” a media release from Northumberland County reads.

“Your caring response makes a difference. At this time, immediate needs at the evacuation centre have been addressed, and we are asking the community to pause on donations until any further needs are identified. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept financial donations at this time.”

Northumberland County warden Bob Crate has issued a statement thanking police, fire, and paramedic services “who responded rapidly, ensured the building was evacuated, and continue to battle extreme cold conditions to fight the fire and keep tenants and the community safe.”

The warden also thanked Donna Rusaw Black Dress Catering, Downey’s Pharmacy, and the Colborne Food Bank, “who quickly coordinated this morning to provide food for first responders and evacuees,” as well as Red Cross and OCEAP partners, and county and Cramahe Township staff across multiple departments.

“On behalf of county deputy warden Mandy Martin, mayor of Cramahe Township, along with all members of county council, I want to share our deepest sympathies with all those affected by this terrible fire,” Crate said. ” During this incredibly difficult time, please know that your community stands with you in solidarity.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Ontario Fire Marshal has been notified and will be attending the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation, with police officers also remaining at the location.