North Bay Fire and Emergency crews extinguished an early morning fire in a multi-unit building on Drew Street near the North Bay bypass.
Greg Saunders, deputy fire chief, says the call came in around 5 a.m. and crews responded within four minutes.
Saunders says there was extensive fire on the second floor of the building.
No one was injured in the blaze.
"Firefighters managed to contain and extinguish the fire while simultaneously conducting a search of the building to make certain that everyone was able to evacuate from danger safely," he said.
"Thankfully, nobody was hurt as a result of the fire, though there is extensive damage to the structure. Members of the fire prevention division are on scene working to determine the cause of the fire. There were working smoke alarms in the building."
Saunders adds that properly located, properly maintained smoke alarms can provide residents with the warning necessary to save lives.
Saunders does not have a damage estimate, and he is unsure how many tenants will be displaced, which he says will depend on the extent of the fire damage.