THUNDER BAY – A Crown Street home was destroyed in a fire that broke out on Sunday morning due to a suspected gas explosion.
Neighbours speculated the fire began between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
Stephen Vincent, platoon chief on the scene, said the initial call came in as a possible explosion and structural fire.
"We had units that were already on the road coming back from another call. We could see a large plume of smoke initially right after the call, and had units on scene really quickly."
Vincent said it is unknown if the person was in the home at the time, but three people have been treated at the hospital as a result of this. There were no firefighters injured, he added.
"Initially, our first arriving officer called a second alarm and then due to the extent of the fire and the buildings on both sides, we called a third alarm which emptied the city of resources and we had individuals called in on their time off to man trucks so that we can still respond in town.
"We have no source. Due to the nature of the way the call came in, the Ontario Fire Marshal will be notified and likely be attending for an investigation."
Emergency crews have closed High Street at this time while they continue their efforts to fight the fire.
Power and gas were shut off on the block, but Vincent said they will be back on shortly after 2 p.m.
This story has been updated with additional details, including the fact the fire is likely the result of a gas explosion.
