An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of a fire that extensively damaged a four-story apartment building in Middle Sackville, N.S., on Monday.
The Halifax Regional Municipality provided an update on Wednesday stating that there is no set timeline for the completion of the inquiry into the fire at Sunset View Apartments.
The city’s fire investigators are collaborating with the property’s insurance company to establish the origin and reason behind the fire, according to the update.
Approximately 180 residents were forced to evacuate the apartment complex on Hanwell Drive early Monday morning as flames engulfed the building’s top floor. Assistant Chief of Operations at Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services, Jim Stymiest, confirmed that the building suffered extensive damage but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Tenant Describes Chaotic Scene
An occupant named Aaron Fudge recounted to Mainstreet Nova Scotia how he, along with his girlfriend, two children, and three cats, had to evacuate when the fire erupted.
Fudge initially assumed the alarm was false until he saw embers falling from the roof while on his balcony. He swiftly gathered his family and pets and exited the building.
“We took our cats and left with only what we were wearing and made our way out,” he explained. “It was a very chaotic and frantic situation.”
Fudge mentioned that due to an insurance mix-up, he is responsible for covering his losses. However, he has not sought financial aid from the Canadian Red Cross as they are currently staying with his girlfriend until they secure long-term accommodation.
“I chose not to request additional resources since we have a place to stay. I believe it is better for the Red Cross to assist those in genuine need,” he stated.
Salvation Army Collecting Donations for Affected Tenants
The municipality also announced that the evacuation center, which opened on Monday, would close on Wednesday afternoon. It urged residents who have not registered with the Red Cross to do so.
The Salvation Army’s Encounter Church is accepting donations for those impacted by the fire, including beverages, non-perishable food items, new clothes, and hygiene products. Donations can be dropped off at 51 Metropolitan Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
