An early-morning fire at a downtown agency that assists vulnerable women has been deemed suspicious.
Greater Sudbury Fire Services were called to the blaze at the Elizabeth Fry Society building on Elm Street shortly before 5 a.m.
“Our crews arrived in just under two minutes,” said Jesse Oshell, deputy fire chief. “While en route up Elm they could see the orange glow from the fire and smoke, which was quite significant in the area.”
Five stations responded to the blaze, which was “concentrated in the front of the building and porch area,” said Oshell.
Fortunately no-one was in the building at the time.
“We got water from the hydrant onto the fire and, when safe to do so, checked to make sure everyone was out,” he said.
Crews were also focused on “protecting some very close buildings on either side,” said Oshell. “These are older homes, older buildings in this area.”
Some smoke did enter neighbouring structures, likely through rooftop heating units, but no people were inside at the time and no significant damage occurred, the deputy chief said.