Three individuals are in critical condition following a fire early Friday at a rental house in East London, which was already under scrutiny for fire code violations, officials report.
Fire crews were dispatched to 745 Dundas St. just before 10 a. m. after smoke and flames were spotted coming from the second-floor windows of the building.
London Fire Department Deputy Chief Gary Bridge stated that there were eight to ten people inside when firefighters arrived.
“There were a number of rescues including three individuals that were taken away my EMS in critical condition,” said Bridge.
As of Friday afternoon, there have been no updates on the status of the three individuals who were transported to the hospital by the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service.
Bridge mentioned that this property had been part of an ongoing investigation regarding fire code compliance prior to Friday’s incident, although he refrained from discussing specific violations due to pending legal matters.
“London fire has worked closely with the owner of this building,” said Bridge. “And I can confirm there has been a number of fire code violations and charges are before the courts at this time.”
He explained that these violations could involve problems such as smoke alarms, fire suppression systems, and proper fire separations.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office along with London police are looking into what caused the fire because of the severity of injuries sustained.
Records indicate that Radium-1 Development Ltd., an Ontario corporation directed by Yasotharan Somalingam from Toronto, owns the building.
I called the company on Friday but learned Somalingam was unavailable for comments.
I also reached out to city officials regarding the mentioned fire code violations but was informed they couldn’t provide details.
The city released a statement saying, “As this is an evolving investigation in its early stages, it would be inappropriate to provide specifics related to any ongoing action taken by Municipal Compliance and/ or the Building Division of the City of London.”
“Staff can confirm, though, that there are outstanding Property Standards and Building Code orders that building ownership had been made aware of earlier this year. Any further details will be shared when appropriate to do so.”
According to records available through the city’s property portal, in February, a “failure to comply” order was issued against this property for being converted into multiple residential units without obtaining necessary permits first.
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Daniel Boudreau says he’s lived at 745 Dundas St. for 18 years, and woke up to smoke detectors going off Friday morning. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)
Daniel Boudreau reported waking up shortly before 10 a. m., finding his basement apartment filled with smoke along with loud alarms going off. He stated he has resided in that building for 18 years.
“My apartment was filled with smoke, so I grabbed what little I could and left,” he recalled.
Outside, he witnessed firefighters combating flames while paramedics attended one injured person.
Boudreau noted changes around a year ago when he claims squatters began moving into upper floors. He also mentioned allegations about drug activity associated with the property.
A fatal shooting occurred there in January leaving one man dead and another seriously hurt.
“It’s got to be the most notorious building in London,” Boudreau remarked.
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London police are asking drivers to avoid the area as they assess situation in Old East Village. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)
Bridge indicated that damage is so extensive residents won’t be able return for quite some time.
“As a result ofthefire, nobodywillbereturningtothisbuildinganytimesoon. There’ssignificantdamagetothisbuilding,”hesaid. London Fireisworkingwiththe Canadian Red Crossandothercommunitypartnerstoarrangetemporaryaccommodationsfordisplacedresidents. br/>
Dundas Street remained closed between Lyle and Rectory streetsforseveralhourswhileemergencycrewsrespondedandinvestigatorsexaminedthescene. Theroadreopened Fridayafternoon. br/>
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Tenant woke up to smoke
Outside, he witnessed firefighters combating flames while paramedics attended one injured person.
Boudreau noted changes around a year ago when he claims squatters began moving into upper floors. He also mentioned allegations about drug activity associated with the property.
A fatal shooting occurred there in January leaving one man dead and another seriously hurt.
“It’s got to be the most notorious building in London,” Boudreau remarked.
Residents won’t be returning ‘anytime soon:’ fire official
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