A fire that sent three people to hospital and killed two pets in Belleville early Sunday morning was caused by “improper use of smoking materials.”
Lead investigator and fire prevention officer Greg Gorsline confirmed the cause on Tuesday night. He said the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal was contacted but did not attend the scene.
Fire tore through the upper level of a housing complex at 126 North Park Street at 1 a.m.
Gorsline said the fire was contained to the dwelling’s second-storey bedroom due to a quick response by firefighters however there was water damage throughout the remainder of the building.
There is still no word on a damage estimate or if charges will be laid at this time.
Three people were treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation.
Emergency services worked with the Canadian Red Cross and Victim Services to facilitate emergency shelter arrangements for residents who were displaced by the fire.
