Fredericton fire started accidentally on a balcony, exact cause not yet known

The fire that destroyed a four-storey apartment building on Fredericton's north side exactly a month ago started accidentally on a balcony, assistant deputy fire chief David McKinley said on Friday.

Although the investigation isn't complete, McKinley said the fire "is known to have started on a balcony, but the exact cause has yet to be determined as further testing is ongoing."

Tenants, meanwhile, have received some good news from the landlord.

After first telling tenants they would have to remove their now-worthless belongings in order to get their damage deposit back, the owner of the building has had a change of heart. 

Bella Properties has notified burned-out tenants of 100 Clark St. that it will "release all security deposits."

In an email sent to tenants, the company said the move "will provide some financial relief as you navigate through the aftermath of this unfortunate incident."

The letter goes on to say the paperwork has already been completed. 

In the letter, Rick Michaud, Bella's leasing manager, said the company is going one step further. 

"In an effort to ease some of the immediate financial strain, we are happy to tell you that we are now refunding the last 10 days of rent that you have lost due to the fire," wrote Michaud. 

Those cheques are already waiting to be picked up at the company's Queen Street office. 

"We understand the hardships you are facing and hope that this gesture can be of some help during these trying times."

Tenant Charlene Barron said Bella Properties' "sister company" Bella Entertainment Group also provided two $25 gift cards for restaurants they own. 

But for Barron, the generosity is too little, too late. 

"I mean, I appreciate it. And I'll certainly take the 10 days' worth of rent back. But yeah, I think they should have acted sooner," said Barron, who spoke publicly earlier in the week to criticize the company for attempting to claw back damage deposits.