A cat has died and nine people have been displaced following an apartment building fire in Marshfield July 4.
The North Shore Fire Department responded to a structure fire in a three-unit apartment building Wednesday, with mutual aid from the Charlottetown Fire Department.
The residents escaped safely, but a cat was lost to the fire.
Disaster volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross have arranged emergency lodging, food, clothing and other basics for a couple from one apartment, a couple and two children from a second unit, and a woman and her two children from a third apartment.
The building owners use the fourth apartment, but were away at the time.
The P.E.I. Fire Marshal's Office investigated and determined the fire originated from a can on the back deck that was being used to dispose of cigarettes.
The Fire Marshal's Office reminds Islanders who smoke to keep fire safety in mind when disposing of butts and ashes.
When throwing away butts and ashes, make sure they are completely put out. Dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.
Use a deep, sturdy ashtray and place it away from anything that can burn.
Do not discard cigarettes in mulch, landscaping, dried grasses, or other anything else that could ignite easily.
There were no injuries from the fire, reported around 1 p.m. at 172 McCallum Rd.
