Blaze displaces 40 residents in Brantford’s largest homeless shelter

A fire at Brantford’s largest homeless shelter Tuesday evening has displaced around 40 residents and three staff members.

Executive director of Rosewood House Tim Philips says that no one was injured in the fire that started at the Nelson Street complex.

He says he suspects the fire started at a commercial gas stove in the kitchen of the facility and damaged a significant part of the kitchen.

Philips told CHCH News that the demolition of the fire-damaged parts began Thursday morning and expects to finish quickly.

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He believes the replacement of the kitchen and other fire-damaged areas will take longer, but the extent of the smoke-damage has yet to be determined because of the complex nature of the damages.

Philips also told CHCH News that all residents have been accommodated in area hotels and motels while they have been displaced.

He says staff are providing medication support and meals to all clients, and that Rosewood is working with the City of Brantford and local social service agencies to ensure the welfare of the residents.

The Rosewood House at the Nelson Street complex is expected to be closed for the next several months.

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