OPP suspect arson in dramatic Hawkesbury apartment building fire
A dramatic fire at an apartment building in downtown Hawkesbury that displaced about 30 tenants is being investigated as arson.
Fire broke out at about midnight Saturday night on the third floor of the building on Portelance Avenue. The structure was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.
Firefighters concentrated on limiting the spread of the fast-moving flames, witnesses reported on social media.
Under a mutual-aid system in the region, Hawkesbury firefighters were aided by colleagues from l’Orignal, East Hawkesbury, Grenville and Brownsburg-Chatham.
Vankleek Hill firefighters covered other calls during the Portelance Avenue blaze.
In a release Sunday afternoon, the United Counties of Prescott-Russell said tenants “have received assistance over the past several hours.”
“Some were inconvenienced by the smoke, but no serious injuries have been reported, and all residents are now safe.”
Early Sunday, Ontario Provincial Police reported “minor injuries from the fire.” In an update later in the day, they said three people were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.
The OPP said an investigation was underway, in co-operation with Hawkesbury Fire and neighbouring services.
The OPP asked anyone who may have information or video footage related to the “suspicious” fire to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca
Portelance Avenue was reopened Sunday morning.
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