Seniors building saved by firefighters

Tuesday March 27, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Caledon Fire & Emergency Services responded to an automatic fire alarm at the seniors' residence, Peel Living, at 1640 Maple Grove Rd. in Caledon village.

The fire alarm was backed up by a motorist passing by reporting a building fire. The alarm was upgraded to a "Nursing Home Fire" and additional apparatus was dispatched.

Upon arrival firefighters found free burning fire conditions in the in the foyer ceiling and roof assembly. The building was partially evacuated. Initial efforts of firefighters were focused on evacuating the 22 occupants and two facility staff from the building and completing a primary search.

Firefighters conducted an interior fire attack and ventilated the large volume of fire from the attic and ceiling spaces. Due to the size of the building and the location of the fire, additional apparatus and personnel were requested. Mutual Aid was requested from the Orangeville Fire Department. They provided an aerial truck on scene in the event that the fire could not be controlled by interior and roof operations.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 3 a.m. The Orangeville Fire Department provided emergency coverage for northwest Caledon in Alton and Caledon Village for approximately three hours under the Mutual Aid Program.

The occupants and staff of the building were transported by EMS and Brampton Transit to the Caledon Library where they were cared for by fire, EMS and Caledon recreation department staff until definitive arrangements could be made for their placement.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and damage is estimated at $150,000. The building is valued at $3.5 million.

Agencies responding were Caledon, Alton, Mono Mills, Caledon East, Palgrave and Snelgrove fire stations, Orangeville fire department, Peel EMS, Caledon recreation department, Brampton Transit, OPP.