An overnight residential fire has destroyed one home and displaced three people.
At about 1:45 in the morning, a 911 call was received from a downstairs tenant of number 607 Topsail Road, stating the home was on fire. When firefighters first arrived shortly after they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the dwelling, with the roof already starting to collapse.
Platoon Chief Paul Chaytor, of the St. John’s Regional Fire Department, said crews made a quick initial attack and were able to knock down much of the fire, however the fallen roof complicated firefighting efforts. A lot of fire remained hidden under the roof, and was difficult to access.
Crews also faced a slight delay in establishing a water supply, as the nearest hydrants were over 100 metres away.
There were three people in the three-unit home at the time of the blaze, all of whom escaped unharmed. A cat was also removed from the home unscathed. All residents of the home are being assisted by the Red Cross.
The blaze meant the closure of Topsail Road between Brookfield Road and Outerbridge Street. Crews are still on scene as daylight approaches, and motorists can expect detours and delays in the area.
