(Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Water damage

Fire at Diefenbaker place contained to one suite, water damage displaces some residents

Dec 21, 2021 | 10:48 AM

Some residents at Diefenbaker Place in Melfort were evacuated after a fire on Saturday night.

According to Melfort Fire Chief Shaun Stewart, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“It was contained to one suite but caused extensive water damage,” Stewart told northeastNOW. “Some people were displaced due to the water damage.”

There were no injuries reported in the incident.

“Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the City of Melfort handy van were all activated to help with the incident,” Stewart said.

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The Melfort Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team was on hand to provide snacks and refreshments to evacuees and first responders as well as emotional and spiritual care for those who were displaced.

Captain Rick Robins said since the fire on Saturday they have been providing meals for those affected.

“We did breakfast and lunch on Sunday and Monday and will do breakfast on Tuesday,” Robins said.

The EDS team members cooked, packaged and delivered 30 more meals by Tuesday evening.

There is no word yet on when residents can return to their suites, but alternative housing was being sought in the meantime.

Like any fire incident of this nature, it is still a fluid situation.

Diefenbaker Place is operated by the Melfort Housing Authority and is for senior citizens or physically disabled persons who can live independently.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser