North Bay Police have charged a 53 year old city man after Friday morning’s fire on the 700 block of Lakeshore Drive.

Hector Ayotte is charged with arson.

There were no injuries and the investigation continues.

Deputy Chief Mike Bechard (Manager of Fire Prevention and Administration) tells BayToday crews arrived on the scene just before 6:30 am.

“Crews arrived very quickly, the fire was put out very quickly, nobody was injured in this fire,” he says.

Crews encountered significant smoke and flames when they arrived, but again the fire was extinguished quickly.

Fire Prevention Captain Randy Vezina says damages are around $25,000.

“It was contained to the room and the door to the room of origin was closed, but that stink gets throughout and I would not be surprised if it goes beyond 25,000,” he says.

Officials say the location is home to residents that have special needs, and is run by Nipissing Mental Health and Support Services.

The fire alarm system alerted the tenants to the danger presented by the fire and they were safely evacuated

While emergency vehicles were on site, Lakeshore was down to one lane at the fire scene, with police controlling traffic.