Fire In Downtown Mitchell Results in Evacuations

(MUNICIPALITY OF WEST PERTH, ON) On Thursday April 15, 2010 at approximately 9:30 p.m. Perth County OPP officers were called to assist the West Perth Fire Department who had been called to a structure fire on Ontario Road (Highway 8) in Mitchell.

The fire was located in a business on the south side of Ontario Road, West of the Mitchell Post Office. The fire consumed the entire building and resulted in smoke and water damage to the surrounding businesses. The West Perth Fire Department with the assistance of the Perth East, Sebringville station and the North Perth, Monkton station fought the fire throughout the night and are still on the scene.

Due to the thick smoke, resident’s who reside in neighbouring building, and those living on the North side of Ontario Road were evacuated from their homes. The majority of the evacuated residents were able to find shelter with family and friends while a small number were invited to the West Perth Community Centre where Community Centre Staff and Victim Services of Perth County assisted them with food and shelter for the night.

Ontario Road will remain closed until some time Friday. This will allow the fire department to continue their work, ensure that the fire will not reignite, and assess the structural integrity of the buildings facade.

Perth County OPP, the West Perth Fire Department and the Ontario Fire Marshall are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

Anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation can contact the Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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