Damage from a fire in an apartment building on Charbonneau Crescent was so extensive residents in the building were forced to find a new place to live on Wednesday.

Around 9:36 am firefighters were called to the building just south of Bishop Grandin Boulevard in Island Lakes. When they arrived smoke and flames were coming from the structure. A second alarm was called in to increase the number of firefighters and equipment on the scene due to life safety concerns with a building that big.

One person had to be rescued by emergency crews. They were taken to hospital in unstable condition. Two firefighters were also injured but were assessed by paramedics at the scene and did not require hospitalization.

Firefighters launched an offensive attack but as conditions worsened they transitioned to a defensive attack and brought in aerial ladders to attack the fire from outside. Eventually firefighters were able to enter the building again and the blaze was declared under control at 11:29 am.

Four ferrets and two cats were rescued by firefighters and turned over to Animal Services until they can be reunited with their owners.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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