Fire at NB Housing complex

Fire at 71 King Street displaces seniors

On Sunday August 30th fire crews responded to a fire at 71 King Street.  The building is an NB Housing complex that has apartments for seniors who live independently, but many have mobility issues. 

A resident believes the fire started on the second floor of the building and an alarm sounded alerting everyone in the large building of the fire.  There was orderly evacuation with little panic and everyone is being housed in a hotel by the Red Cross for the next two days while the situation is assessed. 

Some people have been told that they could be back in their homes as soon as 72 hours, but others will not be as lucky.  The fire had to be battled through the roof in part of the building, and several apartments suffered water and smoke damage.

The Fire Department was called in the afternoon just as there was an even taking place in Elm Park, the Mayor's Welcome BBQ, an event to help the community celebrate new residents.  Many firemen were at the event, along with volunteers from Miramichi Ground Search and Rescue. All left the event to go to 71 King to help with the evacuation.  Their efforts were recognized by Miramichi MLA Michelle Cormier in a Facebook post.

***

"It has been a long day for the seniors but they are all safe, getting fed and settled in for the night. So for the family and friends of loved ones of Tweedie Manor, they may not have internet or their phones so please know they are all ok.

I want to take a minute and recognize the amazing people and organizations we have in this community and many have no idea the extent of what they do.

Our Red Cross who I've gotten to work with a few times in the past couple years are so amazing. Thank you Richard "Hoss" Sutherland and Garrett who were there all day today, organized the accommodations and the meals and worked so hard to make sure everyone was looked after.. Red Cross is an organization run by volunteers and go above and beyond when people are displaced due to fire or flood etc... If you have the opportunity or see a donation box for Red Cross...PLEASE donate!! I can't pass by a donation opportunity for Red Cross, even if it is just a couple bucks.

Our very own Ground Search and Rescue who were also at our mayor's bbq when we found out about the fire...all came and were there for the day, helping in anyway they could. Thank you all!

Kim Williston Arbeau and her team from Social Development played another key roll in making today run so smoothly. Thank you all!.

John (Jr.) Glidden is brand new to the EMO position in Miramichi and is doing an amazing job! Thank you for everything today Jr! 

And of course our heroes from our local fire and police departments who worked tirelessly all day to put the flames out and keep everyone safe. They were all all at the BBQ at Elm Park and left there to jump into action, some not even on duty and one suppose to be on vacation! 

There were approximately 70 to 80 people whose homes were affected today and all of this was handled with everyone working together. Miramichi you are in good hands. Man, I love this place !!!!  

#miramichiproud #bestcommuityever