The Ontario Fire Marshal has been called to investigate a large fire late last night at Fairwinds Lodge.
(Fire at Fairwinds Lodge, January 16, 2023. Blackburn Media photo by Natalia Vega.)
About 75 firefighters from Sarnia Fire and Rescue with additional support from Point Edward, St. Clair Township and Port Huron, responded to the blaze at the Michigan Avenue retirement home just after 11 p.m. Sunday.
All 120 residents were removed following a room-by-room search of the 113 room facility, and transported by Sarnia Transit to a temporary shelter at Lambton College.
(Temporary shelter at Lambton College. Photo courtesy of Sarnia Police Services.)
About half of the residents had been relocated with family by 2 a.m., and it's estimated the remaining residents will be relocated with family or alternative housing by noon Monday.
“I would like to thank our cross-border partners with the Port Huron Fire Department, neighbouring fire services, EMS, Police, Sarnia Transit, and Lambton College for their quick response and assistance in ensuring all residents were evacuated, accounted for, and sheltered safely,” said Fire Chief Bryan Van Gaver in a news release.
Fire Prevention Officer Roel Bus said there were no injuries reported.
"As a community this shows how we all work together," said Bus. "I think the evacuation went very well. The fire safety plan was executed well by the staff at Fairwinds Lodge as well, everybody was accounted for and to have a fire like this with no injuries and cooperation of emergency workers and the college and everybody else in the city, I think it's incredible."
Damage at Fairwinds Lodge. January 16, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Greg Grimes)
Bus said the fire started in the building's north wing. He said there is extensive damage to the roof and attic area, estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
"So the third storey obviously has no ceiling left and basically the whole attic and roof has a lot of damage. In some parts actually it's burnt right off. On the second and first storey, there's no fire damage to the units, but there will be lots of water damage."
Damage at Fairwinds Lodge. January 16, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Greg Grimes)
Sarnia Fire and Rescue remained on scene Monday, and a section of Michigan Avenue from Murphy Road to Blu Aire Gate was closed to traffic until about 7:30 a.m.
Individuals concerned with family members housed at Fairwinds Lodge can call the facility’s management company, Sienna Senior Living, at 1-866-959-4848.
Some affected residents are staying at Sunbridge Hotel. All donations of clothing, food, and essential items will be collected at Community of Christ Church, located on Leckie Drive in Sarnia, Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.