Six injured in Oshawa house fire

Six people were transported to hospital following a house fire in Oshawa early Sunday morning, police say.

Durham police were contacted shortly before 7 a.m. about a fire at 638 Albert St., in the area of Bloor Street East and Albert Street. When the fire crews arrived, the house was engulfed in flames.

Seven people managed to flee when the fire started, police say.

Six people were taken to hospital by Durham regional paramedics and are being treated for injuries. One of the six is in a serious condition, police say.

“They are being treated for various injuries — from smoke inhalations to burns and minor burns on arms and legs,” Oshawa fire chief Derrick Clark told reporters.

The eighth occupant of the house was missing at first, but police say he has been at another address.

Clark said the crews were concerned about the fire spreading to a gas station “next door.”

“The proximity to the gas station was a concern,” Clark said. “The crews did an exceptional job protecting that exposure and keeping the fire isolated to the residence.” Clark said the fire was extensive and there will be a “total loss to this building.”

The house is being investigated as a rooming house. The Ontario Fire Marshal has been notified and the fire crews are still investigating the cause and the circumstances surrounding the fire.