Evacuated residents cleared to return home after massive fire in Belleville, Ont.
Residents who were forced to evacuate after a massive fire sent smoke pluming into the sky high above Belleville, Ont. Sunday night have been cleared to return home, officials say.
The City of Belleville said in a news release published Monday afternoon that Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks had completed its assessment of the ash debris in the area and there is no danger to residents.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“Those who were evacuated may return to their homes and we suggest checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as they may have been activated during the night,” the news release read.
Images from the scene of the fire, at Haig Road and Station Street, show a number of emergency vehicles responding to the blaze that left debris scattered over several nearby residential blocks.
According to local media, the fire broke out just before 11 p.m. on Sunday and reached heights of up to 40 feet.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and it’s unclear if the fire resulted in any injuries.
CTV News Toronto has contacted Belleville Fire for more information.
Earlier in the day, residents were asked not to attempt clearing the ashes until the contents of the debris were tested.
Now that the assessment is complete, the city said crews have started cleaning affected areas. Residents have also been given the go ahead to dispose of debris on their property and are encouraged to wear gloves while doing so.
Area resident Darryl Ashley shared images of the fire’s aftermath on social media, which show thick chunks of debris covering nearby homes and at least one school.
The Belleville father told CTV News Toronto his daughter’s school was near the fire and that he surveyed the area on Monday morning.
“We have decided to keep her home until it is cleaned up and the air quality improves,” he said.
Ashley said bystanders told him the fire started near a lot at the north end of Haig Road which he said had housed large plastic-covered drums “for weeks.”
“I didn't want to get too close because of the stench and the toxins being released,” he said in an email.
Of the 150 homes that were evacuated, the City of Belleville said several residents were relocated to the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.