Nearly 70 people displaced by fire at Hanover, Ont. rooming house
Nearly 70 people are getting emergency community support after fire ripped through a building in downtown Hanover, Ont.
Just after 2 a.m. Thursday, police officers on patrol spotted smoke coming from the roof at the former Forum Hotel Rooming House located at 315 10th St. and called for the fire department. Those officers were later treated for smoke inhalation.
Rooming house resident Guy Sanguygni said he was woken up to the sound of fire alarms.
“I heard the alarm and then I heard somebody yell 'it’s real,’” he said.
When firefighters arrived, the building was filled with heavy smoke, making rescue and evacuation efforts difficult.
“My one friend, next door, he had to crawl out the smoke was so bad,” Sanguygni said.
At this point in the investigation, police believe all of the building’s 40 to 45 residents escaped, but officers are still working to confirm there was no loss of life. Officials believe some pets belonging to residents may have perished in the fire.
“The fire was very rapidly progressing and so we did what we could and then hit the fire from the outside,” said Hanover Fire Chief Chris Dentiger.
As the flames spread to neighbouring buildings, residents in those buildings were evacuated too and the businesses below were washed out.
Jenn Olivero, an employee of Fabulous Fashions said it’s devastating.
“[I’m] grieving for the loss, a real community hub, was the shop,” Olivero said.
Police and EMS quickly organized inside Grace United Church, supporting nearly 70 people.
“Everything from food to victim services, we are looking at how to do shelter,” said Reverend Micol Cottrell.
Residents looking to donate to those who have been displaced can drop off items at Grace United Church.
As of 6 p.m. fire crews were still working to extinguish hot spots.
Later Thursday afternoon, fire officials said public safety concerns have developed for possible building collapse of the fire gutted buildings. As such, 10th Street between 9th Ave., through to 11th Ave. has been closed to pedestrian traffic.
Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who was in the building at the time of the fire, or had visited 24 hours before.
- With files from CTV News KItchener
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.