Crimson Ridge to put on fundraiser for man injured in Dennis Street fire

A staff member of Crimson Ridge and well-known member of the local cycling community is recovering in hospital after being pulled from a burning house on Dennis Street last week.

Gil Edwards, director of operations at Crimson Ridge, said Robbie White is a mechanic working for the golf course. 

"He takes care of all the the entire fleet that takes care of the golf course winter summer, so Robbie's a pretty integral part of our operation here," said Edwards by phone on Thursday.

Edwards said White is still in hospital and suffered a lot of smoke inhalation as a result of the fire.

"We're hoping that Robbie makes a full recovery. It sounds like there's a possibility," said Edwards.

In addition to losing White's technical know-how, Edwards said he is also part of the Crimson Ridge family and well liked by staff and guests alike.

"Robbie is such a cheerful man around here," said Edwards.

Before working at Crimson Ridge, White worked at the Velorution bike shop and is still well-known within the cycling community in the Sault.

An all-you-can-eat pasta and meatball fundraiser has been organized at Crimson Ridge for Oct. 17. Tickets are $50 each and there is a $40 option for people who want to assist White without coming to the dinner.

"When this happened to Rob we automatically knew we had to step up and help him out," said Edwards. "Someday he's probably going to be out of the hospital and will realize that he needs some help, some stability and the golf course family and his bike family around him are here to help."

Investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) were on scene of the Dennis Street fire from Friday until Sunday.

"The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing," said OFM spokesperson Evelyn Tchakarov in an email on Thursday.

When firefighters arrived on scene Thursday evening, no smoke detectors in the house were functioning.

"No working smoke alarm was found on the main floor where the occupant was located. While a smoke alarm was found in the basement, its battery had been removed," said Tchakarov.

Emergency crews were called to the home at the corner of Dennis and Bay streets shortly before 8 p.m. on Sept. 26.

“Upon arrival, there was visible smoke and flames from the structure,” said a news release issued Friday by Sault Fire Services. “Fire crews were able to contain and extinguish the fire.”