No injuries at Alton seniors' apartment fire

A kitchen fire at the Alton seniors' residence forced an evacuation, but there were no injuries.

Tuesday, Sept. 26, at approximately 9:40 a.m. Caledon Fire & Emergency Services was dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at the Pinnacle View Seniors Residence in Alton. Moments after the original alarm was received, the Fire Communications Centre received a 9-1-1 call indicating that there was a fire in an apartment on the second floor; there were heavy smoke conditions on the second floor, and the occupant of the fire apartment was unable to leave the apartment.

Upon arrival firefighters found smoke conditions on the both floors of the seniors' apartment. Additional assistance was requested and a primary search was conducted by firefighters. The occupant of the apartment involved in the fire was removed and the building was completely evacuated. A bus was called to the scene to house the occupants in the event of an extended evacuation.

Police officers assisted fire personnel with searching residential apartments and evacuating occupants from the building. All occupants, approximately 25 to 30 people, were safety escorted from the building without injury or incident.

Fire fighters extinguished the fire and accounted for all occupants of the building. Fire fighters were on scene for approximately two hours conducting the fire investigation and ventilating the building.

This fire represents an excellent example of the effectiveness of working smoke alarms. Caledon residents are reminded that working smoke alarms are required on every floor of a residence and outside sleeping areas. Every family should also have a home escape plan that has been practiced and understood by all members of the family.

The cause is still under investigation and damage is estimated at $5,000.

Responding agencies included Alton, Caledon Village and Mono Mills Fire Stations, Peel and Dufferin EMS and Caledon OPP.