MEDIA RELEASE from Dryden Fire Service – as provided:
At approx. 16:15 pm Friday December 25th, calls to 911 had Dryden Fire, Dryden Police Services and Northwest EMS dispatched to a Queen St. business, for the report of heavy smoke and fire showing from a two story building with possible people trapped in the second floor apartment.
On arrival Dryden Police secured the immediate area of the structure and the scene. Dryden Fire Service arrived to find four occupants of the second floor apartment had been rescued from the Queen St second floor window and roof area by several unknown individuals, were safe and uninjured and with Dryden Police Officers on scene. After confirming all occupants were out of the structure operations began immediately for fire attack to the rear , east side and second story of the structure. Hydro, Gas and Water Utilities attended and disconnected services to the structure. Operations continued throughout the night and into Saturday morning. Northwest EMS attended scene to provide medical services if required. Oxdrift Fire Team was also called into for much needed manpower as the incident continued throughout the night.
Some water damage has been reported to the Royal Canadian Legion as well as some smoke entered the building through the heating and ventilation system. The main structure of the Legion is undamaged and intact at this time.
Crews had the fire under control by 8:30 pm and continued to remain on scene applying water to spot fires. The majority of the units were released from the scene by 11:00 pm with some units remaining into the morning for mop up and fire control.
In all, 10 fire apparatus from Dryden Hall 1 and 2, two apparatus from Oxdrift Fire responded to the incident with 45 volunteer firefighters on scene for much of the day, night and morning.
Due to the efforts of the unidentified bystanders who aided in the rescue, no injuries have been reported to the occupants of the building. As well, no firefighter injuries have been reported.
A huge thank you goes out to all volunteer firefighters involved as well as all other responding agencies to the scene. A big thank you also goes out to the Ladies Auxiliary members of the Legion who responded to provide hot meals to all emergency responders on scene. These individuals took the time out from their precious time with family and friends to help those in need and this is very much appreciated.
Early indication as to the origin of the incident are leading to the rear area of the main floor of the building. The investigation into the cause is ongoing and is currently unknown.
