At approximately 8:25 p.m. Wednesday evening the Owen Sound Fire Department, Grey Bruce Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Owen Sound Police responded to the complaint of smoke in the hallway of the Victoria Towers apartment complex located at 825 9th Street West, Owen Sound.

Once on scene fire personal were able to make their way through the dense smoke in the main hallway on the 2nd floor to find the source and location of the fire. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished. The fire appears to have startedin an electrical box on the 2nd floor. Due to the amount of smoke and concern of the fire spreading, the residents of the complex were evacuated from the building. Ontario Hydro arrived on scene and disconnected the power to the building. The power will remain disconnected until electricians have been able to inspect and complete the

necessary repairs to ensure that there is no further concern.

Those residents that were unable to go stay with family or friends were put up in a local motel for the night arranged by the buildings management. A bus from First Student bus lines arrived at the scene to assist in transporting the residents. Victim Services also responded and gave their assistance. Many elderly people reside in this apartment complex, some having major mobility complications. Fortunately, EMS was able to safely evacuate these individuals. Currently there are no reported cases of smoke inhalation or injuries as a direct result of the fire.

Residents remain out of their apartments until further notice. Foul play is not suspected.

source:news release, Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services