All occupants of a home at 99 Lakehurst St. in Brighton made it to safety after fire completely destroyed the home early Tuesday morning.
Brighton Fire Chief Gene Thompson said the house located near the entrance to Presqui’le Provincial Park was fully involved, with the fire department receiving multiple 911 calls. Crews arrived on scene shortly after 9 a.m.
“It was through the roof at that point. Our crews knocked it down quickly, they did a good job and everyone got out safe,” said Chief Thompson, adding that Brighton Fire Deputy Chief Andrew Hutchinson was in command of operations at the fire scene.
The house, however, was a total loss with an estimate of damage of around $500,000, said Chief Thompson.
Chief Thompson said that although the cause of the fire isn’t conclusive, either a space heater or electrical cords in the front porch are suspected to have been factors in the fire.
“I can’t say for sure, but that was where we’re leaning towards. They had some seedlings growing out in the porch area, which was acting as a greenhouse. That’s kind of what we were leaning toward, we did contact the Fire Marshal’s office and they did not attend. It was unintentional and we’re kind of leaning toward the space heater and electrical extension cord,” said Chief Thompson.
The Brighton department was on the scene until 2 p.m. as part of the investigation.
Brighton received mutual aid from the Cramahe Township Fire Department, which was on hand for tanker support. Chief Thompson said the Brighton crews were able to use a nearby hydrant for the water supply. The Trent Hills Fire Department was placed on standby at the Brighton department’s Codrington station for any second calls within the Municipality of Brighton.
Chief Thompson said smoke alarms in the home were working when crews arrived at the scene. “They were going off when we arrived. That was part of the residents getting out safety.”
Chief Thompson noted the family will be staying with relatives “until they get back to normal”.
(Written by: Alan Rivett)
