It had the potential to become a major disaster, but firefighters overcame a number of difficulties to knock down a major fire on Kenmount Road yesterday afternoon.
There were no injuries, but the house involved is a complete loss.
(VOCM News)
The fire broke out around 1:00 yesterday afternoon. The St. John’s Regional Fire Department was on the scene within minutes and were faced with heavy flame, thick smoke and winds that were gusting up to 50 km/h.
The greatest concern, says Platoon Chief Mike Hall, was ensuring that the fire didn’t spread to surrounding woods.
(VOCM News)
Added to the challenges was low water pressure, forcing the temporary closure of Kenmount Road as crews accessed the line on the other side of the busy roadway.
“Thankfully we had lots of water once we shut down the road. We got the fire under control. Sadly, it looks like one of the animals perished in the house…but there were no injuries reported at this point.”
Kenmount Road was closed to traffic for several areas (VOCM News)
VOCM’s Zack Power, who was on the scene, says staff from Mr. Lube Plus Tires rushed to notify the people in the house next to the stricken one of the situation.
“There was just a little bit of smoke at the house next door and after they got them out, they turned around and looked at the burning house, it was totally engulfed,” says Power.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
