2ND UPDATE on Friday morning – Damage at 52 Donald Street now estimated at $100,000. Working smoke alarms helped everyone get out safely. Quick response limited the fire to one unit of four-unit apartment building. The cause is still under investigation. Belleville Fire and Emergency Services is reminding all residents to check to ensure they have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home and also to have a home escape plan prepared.
UPDATE – 8:30 am – Donald Street has been reopened and the McDonalds has also reopened on North Front Street.
ORIGINAL STORY – Flames were seen lighting up the early morning sky in Belleville on Thursday.
Just before 7 am, a fire broke out in a 4-unit apartment building in the 100 block of Donald Street with heavy smoke and flames visible from a distance.
Belleville Firefighters entered the building and found no one inside. The fire was quickly brought under control and there were no injuries.
Firefighters are still at the scene looking for hot spots.
There is a large fire and police presence on scene.
Investigators from the Belleville Fire Department are responding.
Donald Street remains closed between North Front St. and North Park St.
McDonalds on North Front Street will be closed until the issue is resolved.
Motorists should avoid the area of Donald Street and North Front Street while the firefighting operation is underway.
(PAUL MARTIN)
