Urgent response to London house fire: 'We were told en route there were still people trapped inside the home'
Smoke could be seen for kilometers after a blaze broke out in a west London home over the noon hour.
911 calls started coming in about 12:15 p.m. reporting a fire at 332 Blue Forest Drive.
That's about the time Jesus Blanco heard a loud bang and came out to see the garage of his neighbour’s home covered in flames, with those flames spreading quickly.
Initial reports to the London Fire Department indicated there were people in the home.
"We were told en route that there were people still trapped inside the home,” says Platoon Chief Gary Mosburger, “With that situation it becomes a very heightened level of response for us.”
Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 332 Blue Forest Drive in London, Ont. on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. (Courtesy: Jesus Blanco)As it turns out, Marilyn Jones, her husband and her grandson all made it out safe.
Jones was checked out by paramedics shortly after.
"We just finished eating lunch and then my husband -- we were eating in the dining room -- went by to go down the hall and he said ‘my gosh the house is on fire,’" Jones said.
Jones says ended up going downstairs to avoid the smoke and flames.
"We got downstairs and there is a bedroom downstairs and we escaped out the window of the bedroom,” she said.
All were unharmed.
Officials say the fire appears to have started in the attached garage. One of the complicating factors was that the door between the garage and the home was left open. They say a closed door can go a long way to inhibiting the spread of a blaze.
Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 332 Blue Forest Drive in London, Ont. on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. (Courtesy: Jesus Blanco)Mosburger says the other critical factor on this day was the weather.
"We call this a wind-driven fire. As soon as you have a bit of wind like this it will drive the fire depending on the wind direction and, in today's case, in the wrong direction for us,” he said.
Once the fire broke through the roof, fire crews took a defensive position using an aerial truck to bring it under control. They managed to do that at around 1:30 p.m.
The fire also did some damage to a neighbouring home.
Officials say, based on early estimates, the fire caused over $500,000 in damages. The cause remains under investigation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
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.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
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.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.