Cause of apartment fire in Summerside, P.E.I., under investigation

A fire at an apartment building in Summerside, P.E.I., forced the evacuation of all 18 units Saturday night.

The Summerside Fire Department was called to the building at 14 Water Street around 11:40 p.m. When fire crews arrived on scene, officials said they began fire suppression efforts and evacuated everybody from the building.

According to the fire department, the fire was officially declared out at 1 a.m. Sunday.

“Following the extinguishment of the fire, crews conducted a second sweep of the building to ensure no remaining hazards were present,” said the fire department in a news release Sunday.

Residents who required temporary shelter were taken to a nearby fire station, while the Canadian Red Cross was contacted to help displaced tenants.

Both the Summerside Police Service and Island EMS also attended the scene.

Officials said some residents were taken to Prince County Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and for further medical assessment due to smoke inhalation.

The P.E.I. Fire Marshals Office assumed control of the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

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