Hundreds of people were attending service at a place of worship on Sunday when a fire erupted in a residential building attached to the facility. Barrie Fire and Emergency Service were called to Salem Road around 4:03 p.m. after smoke and flames were reported in the basement of the adjacent residence. Fire officials say the incident generated 16 calls to crews. According to Barrie’s deputy fire chief, firefighters were able to quickly knock down the flames, preventing the fire from spreading any further. Between 300 and 400 people were at the property during the time, but the ceremony inside the adjoining place of worship continued as crews battled the blaze. No injuries were reported and the extent of damage and an estimated dollar loss have not yet been determined. Fire prevention officers have returned to the property Monday to continue their investigation. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
