Around 50 tenants were forced to evacuate from a Miramichi apartment building, after the structure was found to be unsafe.
Fire Chief Tony Lloyd says investigators found drywall removed from hallway ceiling and walls, exposing electrical wires and increasing the risk of fire spreading if one started.
The Canadian Red Cross says about two thirds of those tenants arranged to stay with family or friends temporarily.
A temporary shelter had to be set up for around 20 others. Volunteers from Miramichi and Bathurst set up cots, blankets and provided food at a nearby recreation centre.
The evacuated building contains 19 apartments and 23 hostel style rooms.
The building’s landlord hopes to have renovations completed within a few week, and bring the former military residential building up to all fire and safety codes.
(Photo: Steve Macdonald)
)Photo: Steve Macdonald)
