A deadly fire that tore through two buildings in downtown Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, has claimed the life of one resident and left a close-knit community in mourning.The blaze erupted late Wednesday morning on King Street, one of the town’s main thoroughfares, after a police officer spotted smoke rising from the downtown area even before an emergency call was received.
Within minutes, firefighters and police officers arrived at the scene, but officials say the six-unit apartment building where the fire began was already fully engulfed in flames. The fire quickly spread to a neighbouring building containing residential and commercial units.
Emergency crews evacuated nearby properties, but the intensity of the blaze and concerns over structural collapse prevented firefighters from entering the building.
Initially, authorities believed all occupants had escaped safely. However, later in the day, investigators discovered that one resident remained unaccounted for.
Once conditions became safe enough for entry, first responders searched the damaged structure and located a body in the basement of the apartment complex. Police confirmed the deceased was a resident of a basement unit.
Officials say the building was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire, though there is currently no indication the blaze was suspicious. Investigators from the police department, fire marshal’s office, and medical examiner’s office are working to determine the cause.
Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell praised the rapid response of emergency crews, noting that officers and firefighters were on scene almost immediately after the fire was spotted.
The tragedy has deeply affected the community, with residents gathering throughout the day as crews battled the devastating blaze and searched for the missing resident.
Authorities have not released the victim’s identity pending further investigation and notification of family members.
