STAFF WRITER
A late-night fire on Sunday, March 9 has displaced tenants in two units of a duplex on Lanark Street.
Smiths Falls fire Chief Rick Chesbrough said the fire was reported at 11:52 p.m. on March 9.
“When crews arrived there was heavy flames near the rear of the building which spread to the interior,” he told this publication. “All occupants from both units had evacuated.”
Chesbrough said there were no injuries reported but the building is a total loss.
The cause of the blaze is unknown at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
“The building is insured on both sides,” the chief confirmed. “The property will be turned over to the owner and insurance company.”
Deanna Dompierre said Katrina Jessup and her family are looking for help. In a Facebook post, she said the family was forced from their home to escape the fire with just the clothes on their backs.
“I’m asking that we come together and help this mom of five,” she said. “Any food or clothing donations would be appreciated.”
There were also two dogs displaced, as well as the tenant in the adjoining unit.
For details on what is needed, please visit this Facebook page.
“They left the house with nothing, not even shoes,” Dompierre said. “The kids will need new school stuff too. You can message me to arrange pick up/drop off of donations.”
A fundraising campaign has been set up for the Jessup family.
A woman and her two dogs were displaced from the second unit. Karen Durocher and her two dogs, Rosie and Moose can be helped through this fundraising campaign.
