A three alarm fire at the landmark Kenwick Place building in downtown Sarnia has sent 16 people to hospital.
The blaze occurred at around 1:30am on Sunday at 160 George St., and resulted in four people being transported to Bluewater Health with life-threatening injuries.
Fire officials say 12 others were admitted to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Sarnia Fire and Rescue Captain Dale Gartshore says it appears the fire started on the exterior of the third floor at the parking garage and caused extensive damage to the high-rise building.
Gartshore says 75 residents were evacuated initially to nearby Bayside Mall, then transported to Lambton College with the assistance of Sarnia Transit. Fire officials later reported that a total of 200 people were evacuated.
A statement was released Sunday evening reporting that the fire has left the apartment building uninhabitable for all residents due to safety concerns. Those living at the Kenwick Place building are being forced to vacate their apartments for approximately one week and will have to make arrangements for accommodations.
Those who are unable to make arrangements can attend a reception centre at Lambton College. Sarnia Transit buses are being made available for transportation to the college.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the Office of the Fire Marshall has been contacted.
Residents of the Kenwick building with questions can contact Greg Fraser at 519-331-0507 or 519-344-8829 ex 227. He can also be reached through email at greg_fraser@srgroup.ca.
