There are unconfirmed reports this morning that one individual is dead and several families are now homeless after a blaze on First Street South in Gravenhurst.
At roughly 5 am, the Gravenhurst Fire Department sent out a post saying: ” All @GravenhurstFIRE stations on scene at a working structure fire on First St S. Several roads in the area are closed. Please avoid the area.”
The Fire Department was not immediately available for comment but multiple people have already started online fundraising to help those left homeless by the fire.
Theresa Buker of Free Stuff 4 Daily needs has set up an online fundraiser which can be accessed here. Buker describes the purpose of the fundraiser as follows:
“5 families are homeless in Gravenhurst this morning. A house fire at a multi-unit building on First Street South is affected.Items can be brought to:Gravenhurst–375 Muskoka Beach RoadBracebridge–23 Lankin AvenueNOTE–THERE IS AT LEAST ONE DEATH. Looking for the following items at the moment: MEN’S CLOTHES WOMEN’S CLOTHESBoy size 12Boy size 7not sure of other child sizes needed yet but will update as I gather that info. Shoes (again will try to find out sizes)TowelsBasic toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, combs, shaving gear, deodarant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, Gift Cards to Giant Tiger so they can buy some of these items personally–helps to put power back into their hands of knowing what they need and actually use. Especially items like underwear/bras.NO FURNITURE ITEMS AT THIS TIME. LET’S FIND THEM NEW ACCOMMODATIONS FIRST !! Today, let’s deal with immediate shock, trauma, and what they need today to get through to tomorrow.”
A gofundme page created by Joelle Mortimer reads: “Hi, my name is Joelle Mortimer and my fiancé’s mother’s apartment burnt down last night. She has 5 children. The fire started and spread so quickly nothing was saved. I don’t know any details right now but I wanted to start this because I know they are going to be struggling very hard. I will update with details as they come available. Anything helps and will go directly to the family. Thank you so much.”
That page can be accessed here.
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