Apartment building fire displaces 15 families
Red Cross offers Aid to residents As smoke, water damages units
The Canadian Red Cross is assisting 15 families forced from their homes after a fire damaged a Regina apartment building on the weekend.
The fire broke out at a 32-unit apartment complex at 104 Hanbidge Cres., in the city’s north end, shortly before midnight on Saturday. Flames were seen coming from the building ’s roof when Regina Fire and Protective Services arrived on scene.
The building had to be evacuated due to the fire. No injuries have been reported, according to Fire Marshal Randy Ryba.
Crews worked throughout the night to extinguish the blaze, which extensively damaged the building ’s roof. The west side of the building’s upper floor sustained major water and smoke damage. All of the apartments were affected by smoke and water damage, as well as some fire damage. Residents are not able to live in the building because of the damage.
Crews spent Sunday doing a scene safety assessment, and helping residents retrieve important personal items, such as documents and passports.
Ryba said the building is not a loss, and should be able to be repaired. “It’s just not safe to live in right now,” said Ryba.
Georgiana Schuring, disaster management operations manager with the Saskatchewan branch of the Red Cross, said the organization is providing aid to 39 people affected by the fire. Schuring said that number could increase as more residents reach out to the Red Cross for help. Schuring said the building was at 80 per cent capacity when the fire happened.
For 72 hours following the fire, the Red Cross can provide shelter, food and emergency clothing for residents. If the building will be closed for an extended period of time, the Red Cross will hold discussions with the City of Regina about other shelter options.
Anyone affected by the fire who is still in need of assistance can contact the Red Cross at 1-888800-6493.
A Gofundme page has been set up to assist those affected by the fire. The page was created by Aliya Fenske, who identified herself as a friend of someone who lives in the building.