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UPDATE: 11 in hospital following fire at Bradford apartment building (8 photos, video)

Holland Street West is closed in both directions between Simcoe and Professor Day Drive

UPDATE:

Eleven people are in hospital and four are in critical condition after a fire at an apartment building in Bradford Monday afternoon. 

Fire crews were called to the scene of 114 Holland St. West just before 2 p.m. after a fire erupted on the fifth floor of the eight-story, 84-unit apartment complex. 

Firefighting apparatus was used to rescue 11 people who were sent to hospital. 

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those involved," said Bradford Fire Chief Jim Kay in an update with media Monday evening. 

Fire crews from Bradford, Innisfil, New Tecumseth and King were on scene wrapping up extinguishing the fire and going floor by floor. 

"We have removed those folks systematically," said Kay, noting the crews have had to test the air quality of the floor to ensure it was safe for them to leave their units. 

All residents have been transported to the Danube Senior Centre on Simcoe Road where Red Cross and social services are assisting with registration. 

There are still a number of pets in the building being removed from the building to be reunited with their owners. 

"We are going to be here well into the night," said Kay. 

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The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is working to set up an evacuation centre for residents whose homes were damaged in an apartment building fire on Holland Street West earlier today.

The evacuation centre for residents of 114 Holland St. West "who need a place to go" tonight will be at the Danube Centre.

"We will provide further information as it is available for people who are seeking updates on their loved ones, including a contact number as soon as the evacuation centre is set up and staff are able to take your calls," said a town social media post. "We appreciate offers of donations but are not there yet." 

One resident could be heard yelling from a window a floor above the unit where large black clouds of smoke could be seen billowing out.

Holland Street West is closed in both directions between Simcoe Road and Professor Day Drive.

Police are asking motorists to avoid the area and find other routes.