Seniors stranded after Muskoka retirement home fire

Several residents have been evacuated to a motel after a fire at the Muskoka Hills Retirement Villa.

A fire on the second floor of a Bracebridge retirement on Muskoka Road 118 West has left second-storey residents scrambling for lodgings.

Bracebridge fire stations 1 and 2 were called to the Muskoka Hills Retirement Villa with the Muskoka Paramedic Services and Ontario Provincial Police around 12:15 p.m. Friday.

Upon arrival, Fire Chief Kevin Plested said staff had already safely evacuated residents from the building.

“Fire crews located a fire in a second-floor resident’s room, which was being contained by the building’s sprinkler system,” Plested said.

Significant smoke and water damage occurred throughout the west wing of the facility.

Residents from the east wing have since been allowed to return to the building.

However, those displaced by the damage are being accommodated at a local hotel while permanent arrangements are made.

A total of four fire trucks and approximately 20 firefighters responded to the call.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, it is not believed to be suspicious in nature.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office won’t be attending the scene.