Just after 2:00 a.m., members of the Owen Sound Police Service, Owen Sound Fire Department and EMS were called to the Coach Inn in downtown Owen Sound in response to an active fire on the 3rd floor of the building. In addition, the Inter Township Fire Department was also called out to assist after the arrival of the initial fire units. The Inn which is home to approximately 40 residents in the upper floors was evacuated with first responders assisting the people out of the building to safety. The fire was brought under control by the fire department however there was significant damage to some of the units in addition to water and smoke damage. The value of the damage to the building is not currently known. Members of Victim Services of Bruce, Grey and Perth as well as the Canadian Red Cross attended the scene to assist the displaced residents with finding lodging at local motels. Laidlaw Transit also attended with a bus to provide shelter and transportation for the residents. Six persons were sent to hospital with smoke inhalation and non life threatening injuries. City works crews were on scene for the closure of 10th Street and 2nd Avenue East in the area of the Inn until approximately 6:00 a.m.. The Ontario Fire Marshall has been dispatched to the scene and will arrive later this morning to investigate. There is no information at this time to indicate that the fire is suspicious.

Minutes after emergency crews responded to the fire scene, a Jeep Liberty being driven by a 21 year old Owen Sound woman collided with a light standard nearby in the 100 block of 10th Street East. The driver received non life threatening injuries from the collision and was transported from the scene by ambulance to the Grey Bruce Health Services. The light standard received damage however did not require removal. The vehicle received major damage and was towed from the scene. A breath test conducted at hospital resulted in the driver receiving a 3 day licence suspension for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of between .05 and .08. Further charges are pending.

source: media release, Owen Sound Police Services