Foul play ruled out in Charlottetown fire that left two dead

An investigation continues to determine what caused a Charlottetown apartment building fire.

Foul play has been ruled out in a fire at a multi-unit residential building in Charlottetown Sunday morning that took the lives of two adults and hospitalized three others.

Dozens of firefighters responded to the 20-unit building on Green Street around 7 a.m.

Some residents were rescued through a window, while a few others were taken out the front door.

“In the search through the building, we discovered two deceased residents of the building. Just want to say, at this time, the fire department extends its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims. We certainly feel it ourselves,” said Deputy Chief Kent Mitchell of the Charlottetown Fire Department.

There’s no update on the condition of the three people sent to hospital.

The Canadian Red Cross has put the residents up at a nearby hotel for the short-term. Several displaced pets have been brought to the PEI Humane Society for the time being.

Mayor Philip Brown says it’s Charlottetown’s deadliest fire since 2013.

“My first thoughts go out to the families of the deceased, the two fatalities. Their family, their friends and then we have three that are in the hospital. Then all of the renters, the persons that have been displaced because of this fire,” he said.

“To happen during the festive season, holiday season, it really has an impact on the community and I think the community will step up.”

Brenton Dickieson saw smoke coming from the building and went over to see if he could help in any way.

“This is our community, and these are people that we know. I put in my wood and one of the people that died, he would come and talk to me when I was doing my wood and would always have a story to tell,” he said.

The deputy chief says the investigation is ongoing but could wrap up in a few days. The fire is not considered suspicious.

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