Seven people displaced following early morning fire in Pembroke

There are seven people temporarily without a home to call their own, but they are grateful to be alive following an early morning fire on Monday, Jan. 23 in Pembroke.

The Pembroke Fire Department received 9-1-1 calls around 5:15 a.m. of reports of furniture on fire in an apartment at 175 Mackay Street which is located in the core of Pembroke and this particular building is located two blocks North of the main Pembroke Street West and is close to the Ottawa River.

When the firefighters arrived on scene around 5:20 am, flames were visible issuing from the second storey window facing Mackay Street. Luckily, the occupants began to self-evacuate from the two-storey, multi-unit building prior to the arrival of firefighters. 

Some of the occupants stated they were woken and others were notified by the fire alarm system in the building. Firefighters ensured the building was completely evacuated as reports indicated there may have been two people still in the impacte unit.

According to fire chief Scott Selle, the fire was quickly brought under control by fire department personnel while simultaneously conducting a search of the unit.

One resident was transported to Pembroke Regional Hospital by Renfrew County paramedics.

The fire was contained to the apartment of origin.

After a few hours, the 12 full-time and volunteer firefighters successfully brought the fire under control.  A total of two trucks were on scene throughout the incident.

The seven occupants of the building currently displaced and are being assisted by the local chapter of the Red Cross to help them secure temporary shelter.