Another fire at Chatham-Kent social housing complex leaves some residents displaced
Residents of 16 units of 99 McNaughton Ave. W. are out of their homes, mostly because of smoke, officials say
Residents of 16 social housing units in Chatham-Kent, Ont., are out of their homes after a Thursday afternoon fire at 99 McNaughton Ave. W. — the same building where an August 2024 fire displaced more than 120 people.
Thursday’s fire was contained to one unit, municipal spokesperson Eric Labadie said.
But tenants from the entire second floor of D block were evacuated due to smoke.
The municipality is accommodating some of them in hotels while others have arranged their own accommodations, Labadie said.
“I’m hoping to have them back in by this weekend or early next week,” he said.
Emmanuel Baptist Church opened its doors to tenants of the building as fire crews tended to the scene, Labadie said.
Housing Services staff helped the displaced individuals find temporary accommodations.
Labadie thanked the church for its support of the tenants, and fire officials for the quick response that prevented a more serious outcome.
The office of the fire marshal is investigating the blaze, he said.
D block was one of several parts of the building affected by the 2024 fire, Labadie said, but nearly all residents had since returned to their homes.