Two sharp-eyed OPP officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment were on patrol at 8:57 a.m. on April 8 when they noticed a fully engulfed structure fire at 475 Dominion Avenue, Midland.
The officers called for fire services prior to using their fire extinguishers in an attempt to reach trapped persons in the apartments above a vacant retail store. The officers were successful in locating and removing one male apartment occupant.
Midland Fire Services responded and were supported by additional units from Tiny and Penetanguishene Fire Services, which resulted in one further apartment occupant being located by fire services members. The injured were triaged and transported to an area hospital by County of Simcoe Paramedic Services for treatment. Sadly, a 51-year-old female of Midland has succumbed to her injuries suffered in the fire.
Three firefighters along with two OPP officers were treated at hospital for smoke inhalation.
The fire has been extinguished, resulting in the structure suffering significant damage from the fire. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has been contacted and will be conducting an investigation with local fire services to determine the cause of the blaze.
This is an ongoing investigation and updates will be provided as they become available.
