A fire has gutted Bayview Manor Retirement Home in Balmy Beach.
Fire and emergency crews were called to the scene around 12:30 PM on Sunday after a fire started in one of the back rooms of the home.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been verified, but Intertownship Fire Chief Carl Linthorne tells us it was reportedly caused by someone smoking.
All 12 residents and two staff members were evacuated without incident before fire crews arrived on the scene.
Linthorne says the residents have been taken by ambulance to several nursing homes in Owen Sound for the time being.
Linthorne says it is too early to determine the full extent of the damage, although he says it is extensive.
He adds despite the fact the wind was pushing the fire, they were able to contain it to the second and third floors.
The damage to the back of the home was the most extensive, as the roof caved in, a chimney crumbled and several rooms were completely gutted.
Linthorne adds the Bayview Manor staff did a great job of ensuring all the residents were safely out of the building once the fire started.
