Emergency Services responds to house fire

Station 10 – Erin and Station 50 – Hillsburgh were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 5504 8th Line at 3:17 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024.

The involved structure was a single-family home.

Upon arrival, crews reported that the structure was fully involved.

The owner and family were out of town; the house sitter and daughter safely evacuated the house and were not injured.

Attack lines were laid to the structure and firefighters initiated defensive operations (exterior attack only).

There was an exposure fire in the neighboring property (planned subdivision); lots were being cleared and hot embers ignited the wood chip pile.

In total there were 10 vehicles and 33 firefighters on scene; to include a mutual aid tanker from Rockwood and three of their firefighters.

Fire Chief Jim Sawkins was dispatched to scene as per protocol.

OPP and EMS were also on scene in support of the fire operations

Fire crews reported that the fire was under control at 5:02 a.m.

The house sustained severe damage and is a total write-off with an estimated loss of $1.5 million.

The last crew was back in station at approximately 10 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024.

The fire is determined to have started in the area of the exterior deck; the cause of fire is not considered to be suspicious in nature and is still under investigation by the Fire Chief.

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