Brantford fire sends 11 to hospital

At least five ground ambulances and an air ambulance were called to an overnight apartment fire in Brantford where firefighters rescued people who were trapped on a balcony of a burning unit.

A fire aerial ladder was used to rescue people from a fifth floor balcony. At least 11 people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. Everyone is expected to recover.

The building at 28 Helen Avenue in the city’s west end was evacuated. Residents waited on city buses while fire crews ventilated the building. Although the cause is under investigation, residents say this is the second fire in the same building in two weeks.