More than two dozen families still can't return home after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Wallaceburg.
Chatham-Kent municipal officials say they were able to help 32 households who were affected by the blaze Sunday morning by meeting with them at the Moose Lodge on Duke St. Some of the displaced residents are currently living in local hotels and motels after receiving gift cards and other financial assistance from officials with the municipality's social services department.
Program Manager with Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services division Chantal Perry says they provided 15 households with emergency accommodations and continue to work with all of the affected households to help them with emergency supplies and housing.
"We are covering up to three nights for affected people who don't have friends and family to stay with," says Perry. "From there we are going to work with people to help triage and problem solve and help them secure temporary housing until they can return to their units."
Perry says there is no timeline yet from the local fire department as to when residents will be able to return to their homes. In the meantime, Perry says a lot of community residents and groups have reached out to ask if they can assist in any way and she has some further direction for people who want to help.
"I have confirmed with the Moose Lodge that they will accept donations," says Perry. "So, any donations of items -- hygiene, clothing, food -- can be dropped off at the Moose Lodge at 110 Duke St."
The damages from the fire are estimated at $250,000, but there's still no word on what caused the blaze.
The Ontario Fire Marshal's office has been called in and will continue to work with Chatham-Kent police and local fire officials to investigate.
The initial report from investigators says when firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 9am Sunday, they found a serious fire burning from a top floor apartment and that was spreading smoke throughout the top floor. Firefighters were able to quickly rescue more than a dozen adults, kids, and pets from both inside the building and from several balconies. No injuries were reported, though.
Anyone with information that may help with the investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Rob Bowles at robbo@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6655.