Fire forces 12 residents to evacuate Elora building

ELORA – An early morning fire on Saturday forced 12 people to evacuate a commercial and residential building in Elora.

Centre Wellington Fire Rescue responded to the blaze on Metcalfe Street at 1am on Sept. 13.

The building features The Showroom vintage clothing and interior design store, as well as a "mix of Airbnb rental units and long-term rental units," deputy fire chief Jonathan Karn told the Advertiser.

Around 25 firefighters arrived on scene, from both the Elora and Fergus fire stations.

"When we arrived there was fire in the (Airbnb) unit and it was extending to the exterior of the building," Karn explained.

"Our main priority at that point was to make sure that fire did not extend to the major area of the building."

The fire was contained, yet all building units, including The Showroom store, suffered smoke and/or water damage.

The building's 12 residents were evacuated safely and no one was injured.

"We worked with the Ontario Provincial Police, who contacted the Wellington County Victim Services and they came right to the scene," Karn said.

"They were able to take the Airbnb renters to a local hotel for an evening and our permanent residents stayed with either family or friends."

Karn said the damage estimate is between $1 and $1.2 million, and officials "are confident we know how the fire started.

"This fire is not suspicious."

How the fire started has not been released by the department due to an insurance company/third party involvement completing their own investigation.

"That happens at most fires when insurance companies are involved," Karn said.

Karn noted crews headed back to the scene at 10:30am on Sept. 15.