Guest house devastated by fire in Amherst, NS, 20 people displaced – Halifax | The Canadian News

Twenty people have been displaced by a morning fire at a guesthouse in downtown Amherst, NS

The Canadian Red Cross said the fire “severely damaged” an old three-story boarding house on Prince Arthur Street. It was reported shortly after 4 a.m. Monday morning.

“Canadian Red Cross volunteers are helping 16 adults with emergency shelter and shopping for food, clothing and some other basic items,” said a statement from the organization.

“The other four tenants were either not home at the time or left the premises before the Red Cross volunteers could speak to them, but similar help will be offered if necessary.”

There were no injuries in the fire.

Dan Bedell, Atlantic spokesman for the Canadian Red Cross, said he does not think tenants will be able to return to the building due to the extent of the damage.

He said the Red Cross will help the tenants over the next few days and help connect them to resources.

A statement from the city of Amherst said that when firefighters arrived at the scene Monday morning, smoke was billowing out of two rear doors that led to the basement of the pension. They lined up through both doors and fought the fire inside the building.

The statement said the fire was mostly confined to the basement, although it crawled up the walls.

Amherst Fire Chief Greg Jones said about 46 firefighters responded to the fire and it took about 45 minutes to put it out.

He was unable to discuss the extent of the damage caused by the fire because the matter is under investigation. He was also unable to discuss the possible causes of the fire or whether it seemed suspicious.

“At this point, until I do my research, I can’t determine that,” he said.