House destroyed during busy two days for area firefighters

A house was destroyed last week after multiple fire stations were called to a structure fire south of Mount Forest.

Mount Forest, Arthur, Palmerston, and Harriston fire stations responded to multiple 911 calls to the house shortly after 9am on Feb. 4.

While no one was home at the time, the house is a total loss, explained Wellington North Fire Chief Dave Guilbault. He said the cause of the fire is believed to be electrical, possibly originating from the dryer.

“All we know is the point of origin is in that area, so that’s why we’re saying [that],” said Guilbault.

He explained he arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke coming from the front and rear of the house.  

He said he called off his firefighters when he determined there was too much smoke and he was unsure if the floors were safe.

“We’re not putting any fire fighters in because there’s been a partial collapse from the first floor. It’s a bungalow but the first floor [had] collapsed into the basement,” said Guilbault.

The estimated damage is $325,000.

Multiple fire calls

Wellington North Fire Services were busy last week, with five calls in less than 48 hours.

On Feb. 3, the Mount Forest station was called to a freight trailer fire in neighbouring Southgate Township. Guilbault suspects the fire was deliberately set and he said the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office and OPP are investigating the suspected arson.

On Feb. 2, the Mount Forest station was called to help extinguish an accidental fire in a utility shed in Southgate Township. The building was destroyed.

On the same say, the fire service was called to an “unauthorized, uncontrolled burn” in Wellington North. Guilbault explained there are charges pending for that fire.

While firefighters were battling the Feb. 4 house fire, the Arthur firefighters also attended a carbon monoxide alarm call that resulted in one person being taken to hospital.

 

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