More than 100 residents of a historic building in downtown Timmins have been displaced due to a fire Saturday.
As of 2:45 p.m., the fire was still out of control and had broken through the building's roof.
The Empire Complex was once the Empire Hotel on the corner of Spruce Street and Algonquin Boulevard, and is a historic building in the city, opening its doors in 1925.
“The fire got into the ceiling, between the ceiling and the roof,” said Timmins Fire Department Chief Berny Stansa. “We pulled everybody out because the roof is starting to cave in.”
Aerial water towers were brought in to combat the fire on the roof, which Sansa said was caving in, making it impossible to fight the fire inside the building.
Roads around the scene were closed off – including Algonquin Boulevard East between Pine Street and Brunette Road – and smoke was visible throughout Timmins downtown, to at least Hollinger Park.
There have been no injuries reported and there is no word yet on how the fire started.
Displaced residents are now being urged to head to the Bon Air Motel (355 Algonquin Blvd. E) where an Emergency Response team is set up along with a mobile crisis unit. The Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board is also on hand to address other immediate needs.
The City of Timmins says residents have the option to be housed at the motel "for the foreseeable future."
In addition, the Timmins and District Multicultural Centre and College Boreal Settlement Services plans to help out any international students, temporary residents, or visitors with visas who live in the complex and may have lost documents in the fire. More information is expected to be released in the coming days.
The city is also working on setting up an information line. More details on that are expected to be released on Monday.
In a statement released Saturday night, Timmins' mayor Michelle Boileau said the city is standing with those who have been affected by the "devastating fire."
"We are committed to providing the support necessary to help you rebuild and recover," Michelle Boileau said.
"The residents of Timmins have always shown their strength and unity in challenging times. Let us extend a helping hand to our neighbours in need and demonstrate the resilience and strength that defines our city."
The public is being asked to stay away from the area.
The city is planning a public update shortly after noon on Sunday.
