Cause of Brandon condo fire that caused $11M in damage revealed
A fire at a condominium complex in Brandon, Man., resulted in $11 million in damage, according to a spokesperson from the Manitoba Government.
The fire broke out on Tuesday night at the building in the 1400 block of Pacific Avenue, with firefighters working through the night and into Wednesday to extinguish the fire and put out hot spots.
According to the province, the Office of the Fire Commissioner investigated and determined the fire was started accidentally through the careless disposal of smoking materials.
CTV News Winnipeg previously reported the top level of the four-storey building had extensive fire damage, while the lower levels sustained water damage. No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire.
"If there is any good news story in this situation, it's that everyone was accounted for and everyone is safe," said Dean Hammond, director of emergency social services for the City of Brandon.
"A lot of these people are starting from scratch – they have lost everything. So it is no doubt a tough time for sure."
Hammond said 82 residents of the building have been impacted, with nearly half staying in a hotel in Brandon and the rest staying with friends and family.
He said the city is working with different organizations to provide interim and long-term housing for those evacuated in the fire.
"Really we are looking at those short-term needs, making sure that people are lodged, that people are fed. For those that were only able to leave with the clothes on their back, can we get them some more clothing. These types of things," Hammond said.
He said organizations in Brandon, including United Way and Salvation Army, are collecting donations to help those impacted by the blaze.
"The outpouring from the community has just been absolutely phenomenal – I mean Brandon is a very giving and caring community and everyone has expressed concern about these individuals and everyone wants to help," Hammond said.
He said the city is working on creating a web page to direct people to the organizations that are accepting donations. He said if there are any organizations that are collecting donations, they should contact the city.
- With files from CTV’s Mike Arsenault and Daniel Halmarson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.