Fire at private retirement home in Stayner, 4 sent to hospital

Two dozen people had to be evacuated from the Belmont independent living facility in Stayner when it caught fire.

A fire at a private retirement home in Stayner forced the closure of Highway 26 Wednesday morning between Scott and John streets.

Huronia West Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed the road remains closed as fire crews work to bring the situation under control.

OPP Const. Adrianna McGinnis said officers have safely accounted for all residents. Four have been taken to the local hospital; the extent of injuries remains unknown at this time.

Paramedics informed CTV News that the fire started in the home’s kitchen. Officials said all evacuated residents are now being sheltered at the church across the street.

“We are in the process of evaluating using the former Stayner Care Center as temporary accommodations,” said John Ferguson, chief administrative officer of the Township of Clearview. ”We are strategizing our next steps." Adding, “This is an ongoing situation.”

The township confirmed that Clearview Mayor Doug Measures has reached out to Simcoe County to seek guidance from the Social and Community Services team.

In a written statement to CTV News, the County of Simcoe stated, “As we are still in the early moments of this response, we are working collaboratively with Clearview to determine where/how support is needed the most and create a plan that ensures we are supporting the community in a meaningful way.”

According to the township, some of the residents are being relocated to a hotel in Midland, likely temporarily, until more permanent arrangements have been made. The rest have made off with family members.

Staff from the private retirement home were credited for their quick thinking and action in assisting everyone inside. Measures said the building has been around for years and was just recently renovated.

The Ontario Fire Marshal was called in to evaluate. Authorities have not yet released details on the exact cause of the fire.