A fire in one of the units at Indwell Dogwood Suites in downtown Simcoe led to the evacuation of 53 tenants Tuesday afternoon.
The small fire started at about 2:40 pm and was out by 2:46 pm, Leah Logan, Indwell regional manager for the Norfolk-Waterloo region, said at the scene.
She said the fire, which was put out by staff and firefighters, started on a mattress and was accidental in nature.
No injuries were reported. “That’s the most important piece for us.” Logan said.
Residents, many wrapped in blankets, gathered outside of the structure at 41 Norfolk St. S. while Norfolk firefighters worked to clear smoke from the second and third floors of the complex. They were given clearance to return at about 4 pm
“They are all now warm, have access to their units and are enjoying a pizza meal as a community,” Logan said in an email to the Reformer.
Two of the tenants have been displaced by the fire, Logan said. “The Indwell team has worked to ensure they have a temporary place to call home until their unit has been cleaned,” she said.
Logan said a fire plan is in place at the complex. The staff team made sure everyone got out. They also chatted with residents “to keep any anxiety at bay and make sure we will get through this as a community,” she said.
“Indwell and our tenants would like to give thanks to our emergency services: the Norfolk fire department, OPP services and community paramedics for all of their support to our tenants this afternoon,” Logan said.
The Dogwood Suites supportive housing complex opened in July. There are 51 units in the building.