A centre-city apartment building was evacuated this morning after a suspected structure fire, however the issue turned out to be more commotion than combustion.
Around 5:45 a.m. fire crews from four fire stations responded to the apartment building on Freshwater Road. Residents of the building were evacuated following reports of smoke coming from inside.
Photo by Earl Noble
Upon investigation, it was determined that a resident smoking in the building had caused the alarm to sound. Complicating matters was the fact someone had also discharged a fire extinguisher, causing a hallway to fill with the fine powder.
A fan was used to clear the air inside before residents were permitted to return, some forty-five minutes after they first had to leave.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was also called after one resident reportedly tried to force his way back inside the building before the fire department had given the go-ahead to return. It is not believed that any charges were laid.
Photo by Earl Noble
