LAURIE WEIR
A late-night fire Sunday destroyed a four-plex in Elgin, displacing five people and causing an estimated $750,000 in damage.
Rideau Lakes Fire & Rescue Chief Gene Richardson said crews were called to the fully engulfed fire on Cedar Crescent in Rideau Lakes Township at 10 p.m. Sunday.
About 40 Rideau Lakes firefighters, with mutual aid from 15 Leeds and Thousand Islands firefighters, battled the blaze until it was knocked down by 4 a.m. Monday. Crews returned for a hotspot later in the morning, clearing the scene at 4:40 a.m.
Victim Services Leeds Grenville was called in by the Ontario Provincial Police to assist those affected.
“The residents are all with members of their families, as far as I know,” Richardson said.
No injuries were reported, though a family cat may have been lost in the fire, according to Jordyn Lapensee, who launched an online fundraiser to support those affected.
“So many words can’t explain the tragedy of what happened,” Lapensee wrote. “If anyone can send prayers and good blessings their way, it would be much appreciated.”
The cause of the fire remains undetermined but is not considered suspicious, Richardson said. The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted but did not attend. The insurance company will investigate.
