2nd fire at vacant Sudbury rooming house deemed arson

CTV News

3 days ago

Firefighters battled a house fire on Whittaker Street in Greater Sudbury Tuesday morning. The blazed caused $500,000 in damage but officials say no was was hurt
Greater Sudbury firefighters responded to a blaze at a vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street early Tuesday morning, marking the second fire at the property in less than four months.
The Greater Sudbury Police Service announced Wednesday that the blaze 'has been deemed an arson.'
Whittaker Street - burnt rooming house
A vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 22, 2025. The building has suffered two fires in less than four months. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Fire quickly contained, no injuries reported
The fire, reported shortly after 8:30 a.m., caused significant smoke, fire and water damage to the boarded-up structure in the 0-100 block of Whittaker Street, which had been unoccupied since an April 4 fire that forced tenants to evacuate.
Acting Deputy Fire Chief Craig Lawrence, in an email to CTV News, said crews arrived within four minutes and contained the flames within an hour, preventing further spread.
Whittaker rooming house fire
Greater Sudbury Fires Services battle a fire at a vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 22, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario)
'Crews performed primary and secondary searches of the entire structure – no one was found,' Lawrence said.
'One neighbouring property had heat damage, but there was no fire extension.'
Whittaker rooming house fire
Greater Sudbury Fires Services battle a fire at a vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 22, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario)
First responders said there are no injuries to report as a result of Tuesday's incident.
Cause under investigation
Authorities estimate damages at approximately $500,000. The fire, which originated on the top floor, was deemed suspicious by the fire department. Fire officials turned the scene over to Greater Sudbury police, who have since released it.
Police investigators have canvassed the area for video surveillance footage and potential witnesses.
'(The) Ontario Fire Marshal will not be attending as the building was abandoned and vacant at the time of the fire,' said Dunn.
Previous fire also raised concerns
The brick rooming house had been vacant since the April incident, which also required a multi-fire unit response.
While no injuries occurred in either incident, the recurrence has heightened neighbourhood scrutiny of the property.
Authorities urge anyone with information about either fire to contact Greater Sudbury police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Madison Marier