Windsor firefighters doused a small but smoky blaze in a downtown apartment building Tuesday night.
The blaze broke out around 6 p.m. in a unit on the 21st floor of 920 Ouellette Ave., a troubled public housing complex that recently launched a Neighbourhood Watch program.
According to the fire department, the cause was likely a kitchen fire. Just one apartment was damaged, but an estimate was not yet available.
There was heavy smoke throughout the building, particularly on the 21st floor.
At least one person was injured and taken to hospital.
At one point, six fire trucks, an ambulance and several police cars were outside the building, causing southbound traffic along Ouellette to slow down.
Phil Taylor, a resident for nine years, said it was the biggest turnout he had ever seen for a fire call. “It’s like a party. Everybody wants to show up,” he said while waiting to get back inside after stepping out to have a coffee. “They do put on a good show, though.”
A fire truck is seen during a fire call at Ouellette Manor in Windsor on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Firefighters were called to a blaze on the 21st floor of the building. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
A woman waits outside during a fire call at Ouellette Manor in Windsor on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Firefighters were called to a blaze on the 21st floor of the building. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Two firefighters talk outside during a fire call at Ouellette Manor in Windsor on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Firefighters were called to a blaze on the 21st floor of the building. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
A man looks up from his balcony during a fire call at Ouellette Manor in Windsor on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Firefighters were called to a blaze on the 21st floor of the building. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
Paramedics and firefighters work during a fire call at Ouellette Manor in Windsor on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Firefighters were called to a blaze on the 21st floor of the building. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
A firefighters carries air bottles during a fire call at Ouellette Manor in Windsor on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Firefighters were called to a blaze on the 21st floor of the building. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE/The Windsor Star)
