Dartmouth fire forces apartment evacuation

A fire on Elmwood Avenue, near Wyse Road in Dartmouth, forced the evacuation of a three-storey apartment building Friday morning.

No one was hurt but the fire was stubborn and difficult to put out.

Corey Beals, division commander for Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, said fire broke out in a second-floor apartment just after 5:00 a.m.

"On arrival, we made a fast attack, sent a few crews to the second floor for fire attack, as well as search and rescue. At this point in time, the fire is out. We did have some fire extension on the third floor, as well as up in the attic space of the building," he said.

Apartment resident Sandra Bell called the situation "scary."

"Just woke up at five o'clock. My daughter told me I had to get out because there was a fire. We came out and there was flames shooting out the window but all we know is we had to grab the cat and get out," she said.

 Megan Briand, Bell's daughter, said the fire broke out in an apartment below hers.

"There was smoke coming in through the windows in my apartment. It was pretty scary … it was just bad," she said.

"I was breathing in smoke. I felt like I was going to puke, I still do — but that’s probably more because I want to know what's all ruined in my apartment." 

There is no word yet on what caused the fire.

Fire investigators arrived at about 7:30 a.m.