A late-night fire in an underground parking garage forced a large-scale evacuation at an apartment tower near WRHN @ Midtown in Kitchener on Thursday.
Shortly before midnight, crews from the Kitchener Fire Department were called to the eight-storey building on York Street. Seven fire trucks responded after reports that a vehicle had caught fire in the garage. Officials say the blaze began in a gas-powered car and spread to three others parked nearby, with additional vehicles possibly affected by intense heat and smoke.
Firefighters encountered thick smoke filling the garage and had difficulty reaching the burning vehicles. Smoke also travelled through the building, prompting concerns from residents on every level.
Two individuals were assessed for smoke inhalation, and one was transported to hospital. An estimated 50 to 60 residents were asked to leave their units as a precaution, while others were able to remain inside safely. Displaced tenants took temporary refuge in a neighbouring building, and a bus from Grand River Transit was brought in to provide shelter at Union Boulevard and Park Street.
The fire has since been put out. Authorities have not released a damage estimate and say there is no indication of foul play.