The fire was caused by smoking materials, said Fire Chief Lee Smith. An investigation into the blaze found that a resident had refilled a cigarette lighter improperly. The fire began when the resident tested the lighter after refilling it, Smith said.

Preliminary calculations estimate the blaze caused about $200,000 in damages.

The 11 residents admitted to hospital after the fire have been released, Smith said. The home's residents, meanwhile, have begun to move back in in groups.

The fire broke out in a room on the second floor at Cavendish at about 11 a.m. last Wednesday. All 84 seniors who call Cavendish home were evacuated. Fire damage to the room was extensive, said Janice Amos, Cavendish Manor administrator. Smith said there was smoke damage throughout the floor as well as to some other rooms.

More than 30 residents were treated for minor smoke inhalation and 11 were taken to hospital for treatment. Reports of one resident in serious condition after suffering burns were false, said Amos.

"No one got burned," she said, adding all residents have been released from hospital. Some displaced seniors are staying with family members until they are returned to the retirement home while others are spread out at 13 other retirement homes in the area.

Eighteen residents were also put up in rooms at the Rodeway Inn.

Thirty-seven residents moved back into Cavendish Manor on Friday.

"They are ecstatic (to be back home)," said Amos. "Today is an awesome day."

Amos said residents will move back in in small groups. Another group was expected back in yesterday. Residents are being allowed back in after cleanup crews cover off areas of the home. The first area reopened was the front section of the building facing Dunn Street. The second floor is expected to be under renovations for some time but Amos said parts of the second floor should reopen in a couple weeks. Residents from the second floor will share rooms with other residents downstairs until theirs re-open.

"The important thing for us is too get all the residents back home as soon as possible," said Amos. "Making the building safe is everyone's priority."

While the investigation into the cause of the fire has concluded, the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office remained on the scene Thursday and Friday discussing the home's fire plan. All alarms functioned properly. Amos said staff reacted quick and efficiently to evacuate the seniors.

"They were well prepared," said Smith.