“When we arrived on scene the fire had already moved into the attic of the house and thick smoke was rolling out of the roof,” Paradis explained. “Fire had started on the deck on the outside of the house, spread along the outside of the wall and into the attic. Despite efforts from owner and neighbours the fire spread quickly.”

He added that once the fire reached the inside of the roof and the attic it caused serious damage. The house itself was not severely damaged by the fire, but damage from the water to put it out as well as overhaul to make sure the fire was extinguished was considerable with the house considered a total loss.

The cause of the fire was accidental, with a can of cigarette butts on the back deck catching fire beside the house. This finding was confirmed by the Fire Commissioner. There were no injuries as the lone occupant managed to leave the house during the blaze.

The department was on the scene for four to five hours. No further investigation was needed, and the issue is now in the hands of the insurance company.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff