Some nursing home residents cannot return to their homes for months after the fire

Some residents of 99 McNaughton West nursing home learned it would be months before they could return to their homes after a fire in August.

City of Chatham-Kent officials said Thursday that repairs to the building are continuing and residents in section D will be able to return to their homes by Nov. 15. City staff will be in touch to explain details.

Section C, meanwhile, will be repaired shortly after that, but more will be revealed on November 8.

Officials said sections A and B of the building need extensive repairs that will take several months, but there is currently no estimated timeline for residents to return to those sections.

While there were no injuries in the fire, 90 of the 120 units of the complex were affected.

After the fire, the municipality provided accommodation.

Officials say tenants should seek independent legal advice if they need it and can contact the Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic.

There are also case managers who can help people.

A 30-year-old Chatham woman was arrested in connection with the fire and charged with arson with disregard for human life.

A 48-year-old man is also wanted on the same charge.