Damage is estimated at $125,000 after an apartment fire in Petrolia temporarily displaced several residents.
Petrolia and North Enniskillen firefighters responded to a blaze at a county-operated apartment building on Greenfield Street Sunday afternoon, shortly after 2 p.m.
Fire Chief Jay Arns said the cause has been determined as careless use of smoking material. It's "undetermined" at this time if a fine will be issued as a result.
"Crews had a quick knockdown. The fire was contained to one apartment, however, [there was] smoke and water damage throughout the entire building," he said. "The contents of that one apartment are destroyed."
Arns said just over 20 people were inside the building at the time. One person had to be rescued from the second floor but no injuries were reported.
Arns said poor air quality and water damage prevented tenants from returning home Sunday night. A temporary shelter was set up for the displaced residents, while some sought alternative accommodations.
"The remediation company was already in place late [Sunday] afternoon when we left," said Arns. "So we're hoping [tenants] can get back in [Monday]."
Arns said it was a preventable fire and they can't stress enough the importance of properly disposing smoking materials.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves