(WELLINGTON NORTH TOWNSHIP, ON) – On September 8, 2014 at approximately 8:24 p.m., Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were called to the Birmingham Lodge Retirement Home on Birmingham Street East, Mount Forest to assist the Mount Forest Fire Department with a fire scene. The fire originated on the 2nd floor and heavy smoke forced the evacuation of the 1st and 2nd floors. The fire was contained to one unit and was not extensive.
Mount Forest Fire Department, Arthur Fire Department, Town of Minto Fire Department, Birmingham Retirement Lodge employees, Guelph-Wellington Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Wellington County OPP officers safely evacuated 61 residents. There were no injuries to the residents, however one employee from the retirement lodge was taken to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and was later released.
The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office was contacted and did not attend. The Mount Forest Fire Department is investigating the cause.