London home blaze originated near fire pit: Investigators
A fire in southwest London has heavily damaged a home and claimed the lives of three family pets.
The blaze at 63 Guildford Crescent began around 2:30 a.m. where firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of the property.
Nearby resident Carol Dobbie witnessed the intensity of the smoke as firefighters entered the residence and told CTV News, “The front door of the home, yes, and the smoke started to billow out.”
For a brief time, emergency crews were also searching for one of the two occupants. London Fire Dept. Platoon Chief Colin Shewell told CTV News a resident — who got out safely — initially went back inside.
“A person did go back in to try to retrieve the pet,” Shewell said.
Both occupants of the home escaped injury, although one was briefly treated at the scene.
However, two cats and a pet bird perished in the blaze. Two dogs also managed to escape.
An overnight fire at a home on Guildford Crescent in London, Ont. on July 3, 2022 claimed the lives of three pets and caused an estimated $250,000 in damages. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)In daylight, damage to the rear of the home is substantial, including the back deck. Fire investigators have since narrowed their search for a cause to the area.
“It was somewhere located around the fire pit, near or on the deck, near a gazebo,” Shewell stated.
18 firefighters and six engines were at the scene.
Damage is estimated at over $250,000.
As the investigation continues, Shewell reminds Londoners not to have a fire on wooden decks or near other combustible materials.
He also reminds everyone to never re-enter a burning home, even to rescue a furry friend. Shewell said when it’s safe to do so, firefighters have the best chance, and equipment, to help rescue pets.
“We will do everything we can in our training to make sure we do everything we can for members of the family, such as pets,” he said.
The fire is not believed to be suspicious.
Earlier this week, London firefighters saved a dog from a burning home on Tennyson Street.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Breast cancer screening should start at age 40, Canadian Cancer Society says
The Canadian Cancer Society says all provinces and territories should lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40.
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Canadian-Israeli man shot dead in Egypt; claim links killing to Gaza
A Canadian man 'of Jewish Israeli descent' has been shot dead in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in a suspected criminal case, a security source said, while a previously unknown militant group said it carried out the attack in reaction to the war in Gaza.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.