Fire at Rawdon seniors’ residence forces 160 from their homes

Mar. 8, 2021, Rawdon, Que. – A fire on Sunday forced the evacuation of a seniors’ home in Rawdon, 60 kilometres north of Montreal, forcing 160 residents from their homes.

The Lanaudière regional health authority said in a statement Sunday three people were transported to a hospital in Joliette, but their lives are not in danger.

According to the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Lanaudière, the fire was reported around 5:30 a.m. in the Sainte-Anne seniors’ residence. The residents were first moved to a gymnasium at Collège Champagneur across the street, but authorities said they could not return to their homes yet. Instead, 65 autonomous residents were expected to spend the night in a hotel, 43 others were sent to CHSLD Saint-Eusèbe in Joliette, and 13 others were sent to other resources corresponding to their needs.

The health authority said almost 40 families accepted to temporarily house their loved ones at home, and it is working with local organizations and veterinarians to house residents’ pets while they’re relocated.

The cause of the fire was unknown on Sunday.