Dozens Displaced Following Multi-Unit Apartment Fire

A large early-morning fire has displaced dozens of residents after flames tore through a multi-unit residential building on Simms Street in St. John’s.

Just after 5:30 a.m., the St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) was dispatched to reports of a structure fire, which was quickly upgraded when it was determined to involve a multi-unit apartment building.

When crews arrived, they were met with heavy smoke and flames coming from an upstairs apartment. The building has 11 units, 10 of which were occupied at the time. According to the building superintendent, each unit housed an estimated 3 to 5 residents, though the total number of people affected remains uncertain.

The full extent of injuries has not been confirmed, but it’s believed that one person was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

The Canadian Red Cross has been called in to assist displaced residents, and Metrobus was dispatched to the scene to provide temporary shelter and transportation.

Firefighters remained on scene throughout the morning as crews worked to fully extinguish the fire and investigate the cause