Work underway to help residents affected by weekend fire in Timmins

A fire in Timmins, Ont. has displaced more than 100 residents.

On Saturday, the former Empire Hotel went up in flames. The area was cordoned off throughout the weekend as crews attempted to bring the blaze under control.

No injuries have been reported and there's no word yet on the cause of the fire.

Residents who need accommodations are staying at the nearby Bon Air Motel.

Fire at the old Empire Hotel in Timmins

6 months ago

Duration 1:27

Empire Complex residents Jashanpreet Singh (left) and Kartik Sharma managed to get out of the building safely after it caught on fire this weekend but weren't able to take any of their personal belongings.

"We are broke from the inside. We are just broken because it is not a small thing that happened to us," Jashanereet Singh, an international student who lived in the building said.

"We are homeless. But we are thankful to the city. They are providing shelter to everyone who is affected."

Singh said he was able to get out safely but wasn't able to take any of his personal belongings with him.

"We just evacuated from there," he said.

"So all our documents, my passport, my work permit, everything was in the building."

Another displaced resident, Kartik Sharma, said he also left all his personal belongings behind to get out. He said a number of groups are reaching out to assist.

"They're going to help us with our documentation," he said.

The city, the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board, the Timmins and District Multicultural Centre as well as other agencies are assisting those in need. A mobile crisis unit is also located at the Bon Air Motel for residents needing trauma intervention.

'Strength and unity'

Mayor Michelle Boileau released a statement on the incident.

"The Empire Complex, a significant part of our city's heritage, was not just a building but a home to many individuals and families within our community," she said.

"To those who have been displaced, please know that the City of Timmins stands with you during this difficult time. We are committed to providing the support necessary to help you rebuild and recover."

Boileau added she is grateful for all the emergency response teams.

"The residents of Timmins have always shown their strength and unity in challenging times," she said.

"Let us extend a helping hand to our neighbours in need and demonstrate the resilience and strength that defines our city."

The Cochrane District Social Services Board said arrangements to accept donations for displaced residents are underway and will be released on Monday.