Fire at East London House Leaves Three in Critical Condition

Three individuals are in critical condition following a fire on Friday morning at a rental property in East London, which was already under investigation for fire code violations, according to officials.

Fire crews were dispatched to 745 Dundas St. just before 10 a. m. after reports of smoke and flames coming from the second-floor windows.

London Fire Department Deputy Chief Gary Bridge stated that there were eight to ten people inside the house when firefighters arrived.

“There were a number of rescues including three individuals that were taken away by EMS in critical condition,” said Bridge.

As of Friday afternoon, there has been no update on the status of the three individuals transported to the hospital by Middlesex-London Paramedic Service.

Bridge mentioned that the property had been part of an ongoing fire code investigation prior to Friday’s incident, but he did not disclose specific details about the violations since they are currently being addressed in court.

“London fire has worked closely with the owner of this building,” said Bridge. “And I can confirm there have been several fire code violations and charges are currently before the courts.”

He noted that fire code violations might involve issues like smoke alarms, fire suppression systems, and separation between different areas of the building.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and London police are looking into what caused the fire due to the severity of injuries sustained.

Property records indicate that Radium-1 Development Ltd., an Ontario corporation with Yasotharan Somalingam from Toronto listed as its director, owns the building.

I called the company on Friday but was informed that Somalingam was unavailable for comment.

I also reached out to city officials regarding the mentioned fire code violations, but they stated they couldn’t provide any details at this time.

In a statement, city officials said, “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.”

Records available through the city’s property portal show that in February, a “failure to comply” order was issued against this property. The order indicates that multiple residential units had been created without first obtaining necessary building permits.

Tenant woke up surrounded by smoke

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. with his basement apartment filled with smoke and alarms blaring. He mentioned he has resided in this building for 18 years.

“My apartment was filled with smoke so I grabbed what little I could and left,” he explained.

Outside, he witnessed firefighters tackling the blaze while paramedics attended one of those injured.

Boudreau noted changes occurred about a year ago when he claims squatters began moving into upper floors. He also alleged that drug-related activity has become associated with this property.

In January, there was a fatal shooting at this house resulting in one man dead and another severely hurt.

“It’s got to be the most notorious building in London,” Boudreau remarked.

Residents won’t be going back ‘anytime soon’: fire official

London police urge drivers to steer clear of Old East Village as they assess conditions following events here.(Andrew Lupton/CBC)

Bridge indicated that damage is extensive enough preventing residents from returning for quite some time.

“As a result of the fire nobody will be returning to this building anytime soon. There’s significant damage done here,” he said. London Fire is coordinating efforts with Canadian Red Cross along with other community partners to find temporary housing for those displaced.

Dundas Street remained closed between Lyle and Rectory streets for several hours while emergency responders managed operations onsite along with investigators examining evidence related here. The road reopened later on Friday afternoon.

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