Fire at Downtown Apartment Building Displaces Over a Dozen Residents; Firefighter Sent to Hospital

An early morning vehicle fire in a downtown St. John’s apartment building led to a large emergency response, multiple rescues, and left more than two dozen residents displaced.

At approximately 2:55 a.m. on Saturday, the St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) was called to Cavendish Condominiums following reports of a vehicle on fire in the building’s underground parking garage. Arriving crews encountered thick black smoke pouring from the structure and immediately began evacuating residents, some of whom were trapped on upper floors.

Residents could be seen waving for help from their balconies as smoke filled the building. Firefighters used a ladder truck to rescue at least four people from the upper floors. Inside, another resident was located unconscious in a hallway and was rushed to hospital. Multiple others were assessed by paramedics from NL Health Services on scene. Ambulances remained on site to provide support and transport as needed.

As the fire spread through the garage, affecting multiple vehicles and sending smoke through the entire structure, firefighters were forced to cut through balcony railings and doorways to reach those trapped. Smoke damage throughout the residential units was significant, and the garage sustained extensive fire and smoke damage.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) confirmed they received several 911 calls at 2:53 a.m. reporting loud booms and black smoke coming from the garage. Officers assisted with evacuations and secured the scene alongside fire and medical crews.

A Metrobus was dispatched to transport evacuated residents, and the Red Cross was called in to assist. Building officials estimate that approximately 16 residents were inside the complex at the time. All have since been displaced.

One firefighter was assessed by paramedics after reportedly becoming unwell during the response. The firefighter was not transported to hospital and remained on scene.

However, a second firefighter was injured later in the morning, near the conclusion of firefighting efforts. The firefighter fell through a flight of stairs and landed approximately 16 feet below, sustaining injuries consistent with a fall. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The streets surrounding the scene including Cavendish Square, Duckworth Street, Ordnance Street, and Plymouth Street were closed for several hours as emergency crews worked.

The cause of the fire is believed to have originated with a vehicle in the garage, but the exact circumstances remain under investigation.