BayToday says one person suffered life threatening injuries and airlifted to hospital due to a fire around 4:30 this morning on Mattawan Street in Mattawa.

The fire occurred in a multi family structure and several people were still inside units when firefighters arrived.

Mattawa Mayor Dean Backer tells BayToday the town’s fire department did a fantastic job containing the fire.

“They contained it to the one unit. It could have easily gone into all the units. It’s close to the hospital too and there’s a bush area nearby. Our fire department did a bang on job,” Backer says.

One firefighter was taken to hospital and treated with a minor injury after slipping and falling on the ice formed caused by the cold air and water used to fight the blaze.

The Red Cross had been called for assistance and the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board says they’re looking for alternate housing for the five adults and six children who are impacted.

Dave Mendicino, President of the Nipissing District Housing Corporation says there are no vacancies in its locations in Mattawa but a search is underway for alternate housing.

(photo submitted by BayToday)

Filed under: fire, Mattawa