As 'bright as the sun': Students describe house fire near Fanshawe College
As many as six students are displaced after a fire heavily damaged a home near Fanshawe College.
The blaze broke out in a back split at the end of the Prosperity Court.
Gillian Gilmore and Victoria Ashley live nearby and were alerted by approaching fire trucks.
“I could hear the sirens, and I thought that’s really close,” explained Gilmore. “So I looked out front and said, ‘Oh my gosh!’ I ran out front and saw the big flames in the air. It seems like it was the sun! That’s how bright the flames were!”
“It just felt like a heavy blanket almost coming over the street,” shared Ashley.
More than 25 firefighters and a half dozen engines arrived moments later.
Several tenants were outside to meet them. All were unharmed, according to Platoon Chief Kirk Loveland.
London fire crews responded to a call on Prosperity Court around 10 p.m. on April 15, 2024. (Source: London fire)Still, he told CTV News London, firefighters entered the home to ensure no one else was inside.
“Fortunately, they had working smoke alarms and they all escaped.”
Loveland said the residence is heavily damaged and estimated the loss between $400,000 to $500,000.
The blaze started on the east side of the home.
“We determined that the fire started on the exterior. It had combustible siding on the side, which accelerated the fire spread,” said Loveland.
The initial speed of the flames and smoke was a growing concern for nearby residents, including Fanshawe student Kolapo Bankole.
“There was just a lot of commotion, and we were concerned it was going to head towards the next building, but thankfully that didn’t happen.”
The fire is not considered suspicious.
The displaced students are receiving support from the Red Cross and other agencies.
London fire crews responded to a call on Prosperity Court in London on April 15, 2024. (Source: London fire)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
NEW Kim Kardashian brand kids' sleepwear and more: Here are some recalls to watch out for
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Parents of infant who died in wrong-way crash on Ontario's Hwy. 401 were in same vehicle
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.
Tiger Woods gets special exemption to U.S. Open at Pinehurst
Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'
Maple Leafs down Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7
William Nylander scored twice and Joseph Woll made 22 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday to force Game 7 in their first-round series.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Federal government to announce funding to help Toronto host six 2026 World Cup games
The federal government is set to announce funding to help Toronto host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is your password 123456? Here's why you should make it stronger
With the sheer number of passwords needed today, it may come as no surprise that over 60 per cent of Canadians feel overwhelmed, and over a third reportedly forget their passwords monthly.