Lithium-ion batteries blamed for devastating Cambridge fire
Investigators believe lithium-ion batteries sparked Thursday’s fire at a Cambridge apartment complex.
Flames and smoke were reported at the Avenue Road building around 6 p.m.
Witnesses said people were taken out of the building on stretchers while others needed to be rescued from the balconies.
Paramedics treated 10 residents at the scene and, of those, five were then transported to hospital.
Officials said 26 residents were displaced by the fire, with some getting help to find other accommodations.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office was called in to determine the cause of the Avenue Road incident.
The damaged exterior of a Avenue Road building in Cambridge after a fire on May 23, 2024. (Chris Thomson/CTV News)
“While I can confirm there is evidence that a lithium-ion battery was involved in the fire, the investigation remains ongoing and I cannot comment further at this time,” Sean Driscoll, the OFM’s senior strategic communications advisor, told CTV News in an email Monday.
Cambridge Deputy Fire Chief Brad Churchill said it’s believe the batteries were charging in one of the units.
No further details have been released about the extent of the fire, damage estimate or condition of the residents.
- With reporting by Jeff Pickel
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
