Tenants evacuated during Russell Street fire, arson suspected

At approximately 9:45 p.m. on Friday, Jun. 1, Kingston Police responded to a fire and successfully evacuated the building at 16 Russell Street.

Upon arrival, police saw an elderly man in a second-storey window, which was directly above an area engulfed in flames. The man communicated to police that he was disabled, and one officer lifted a second officer up to the window, according to a press release from Kingston Police. Climbing through the window and into the smoke-filled apartment, the officer was able to safely evacuate the man. More officers arrived shortly thereafter and were able to assist in the evacuation of the other tenants in the building.

Kingston Fire and Rescue attend the scene and extinguished the blaze. Victim services and Red Cross later attended the scene and attempted to find temporary accommodations for the evacuated tenants.

The fire is presently deemed to be arson and is currently under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ross of the Kingston Police at 613-549-4660 ext. 6232, or via email at [email protected]. Tips can also be provided anonymously by calling the Kingston Police general number (613-549-4660 ext. 0) and asking to be anonymous, or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).