Firefighters help residents escape North Street fire

Update:

A fire caused by the use of smoking materials in close proximity to a bed resulted in extensive fire and smoke damage to an apartment on North Street early Wednesday. 

One individual was taken to hospital. There were no other injuries to report, according to a news release from Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services. 

Fire crews initially responded to a call for a fire at a multi-residential building in the 500 block of North Street shortly before 6 a.m. 

There was smoke and fire visible from outside of the dwelling upon arrival. Fire crews assisted multiple residents from an exterior deck attached to the dwelling.  

The fire was eventually contained by fire crews. 

“Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services would like to remind all citizens to avoid smoking in bed or while laying down. If possible, avoid smoking indoors all together,” fire services said in its release. “Properly dispose of smoking materials in a metal container that is filled with sand or water; along with having a lid for even further protection."

Fire officials are also reminding the public that smoking materials should never be thrown on the ground, discarded in flower planters or garbage receptacles.

Original story:

North Street is closed to all traffic this morning as police and fire are on scene at the top of the hill.

Firefighters appear to be responding to a fire at a residential building.

SooToday will bring you more on this situation as it is available.