A Wawa fire from last week has displaced two families and impacted several individuals who work in and around the building.
At this point it’s unclear how the fire started at the EarlyON Centre on Broadway Avenue at 2 a.m. on Feb. 12.
"There were two apartments and the two tenants were evacuated. Their audible fire alarms were working. No injuries," the OPP said by email.
Two GoFundMe pages have been started due to the blaze.
“The tenants, Kenna and Rabecca Dumont, lost their home and all of their belongings,” says the page set up for people who lived above the centre.
“Most devastatingly, they lost their two beloved cats, Henry and Charles – their babies.”
A fundraiser was also started for the owners of AJ’s Pizza, located beside the building that caught fire.
“Joey and Brooke have worked tirelessly to build a life for their family, and in a matter of hours, everything came to a sudden halt,” the page says.
AJ’s remains closed and its owners are also unable to stay in their apartment above the restaurant.
"We want to thank Jody and Chrystal for notifying us to evacuate," they wrote on social media.
The EarlyON Child and Family Centre has moved to 86 Magpie Rd., located with the THRIVE offices at the Michipicoten High School, although on Monday they will move to a different classroom in the same building.
They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. till 12 p.m.
"The cause of the fire is currently under investigation," said Wawa Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin.
No charges have been laid in connection with the fire, although an OPP spokesperson said a charge was laid that was unrelated to the fire.
"As police were holding the fire scene with their emergency lights activated as well as the fire department, a vehicle drove past all vehicles without stopping.
"The 25 year-old female driver from Scarborough, was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with: Disobey officer directing traffic," the OPP said.
The following release was sent today on behalf of the EarlyON Child and Family Centre:
Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of our EarlyON Centre — a place that was more than just a building. It was a safe space for families, a place of laughter, first friendships, shared milestones, and daily moments of connection that meant so much to so many.
In the midst of this heartbreaking loss, we have been surrounded by an outpouring of care and compassion that has reminded us just how strong and connected our community truly is.