8 residents safe, but out of their homes after east end basement fire
The cause is under investigation
Eight people are out of their homes after a fire Thursday afternoon at a multi-unit residence in London, Ont.'s east end.
The London Fire Department was called to 551 Hale Street just after 4 p.m. ET. They were met with heavy, black smoke coming out the building's basement.
"We did gain access to the fire, put it out, and were able to minimize damage to the rest of the structure with ventilation operations," said platoon chief Gary Mossburger.
Investigators continue to look into the cause on Friday, he said. Damage is estimated at $200,000.
"This time of year, obviously we see a lot of different reasons why fires get started, whether that is you know, an excessive amount of electrical heaters, and not enough space around space heaters," he said. "The draw on electrical services to a home or to a property can cause failures in many different ways."
It's important, he said, to clear snow from around the home's outdoor vents to prevent an influx of carbon monoxide, and to clear snow from around fire hydrants to assist firefighters in emergencies.
All but one resident was able to find a place to stay, and is currently being housed with the help of the Red Cross.