Thursday, October 3, 2024

‘Fully engulfed’ house fire in Burlington causes $500K in damages

First Published:

A late-night inferno scrambled 25 firefighters to the scene of a “fast-moving” fire of concern at a residential property that was under construction in Burlington.

The call came in shortly before midnight Monday.

Flames could been seen for kilometres in downtown Burlington as photos and videos began to flood social media.

The house under construction on Emerald Crescent was fully engulfed in flames.

Owner Dave Datars says construction began last June and he was looking to move-in in just a few months.

“We’re building a new custom home and we’re just devastated by the loss because we poured our heart and sole into it.” says Datars.

Neighbour Percy Collis says he feared for his life as the flames came dangerously close to his home, a designated heritage home known as the Betty Taylor Home. It was built in 1938 for the Olympic track and field athlete in her retirement.

READ MORE: Bronte GO reopens after ‘suspicious package’ closes station

“The first thing that the fire department did in trying to contain the blaze, was also try to protect the two homes that surrounded the blaze, and they did quite a remarkable job at that.” explains Collis.

No one was injured, but authorities estimate there to have been upwards of $500,000 in damages and have notified the Ontario Fire Marshall.

When authorities arrived at the scene, they reported seeing a building fully engulfed with smoke and flames showing.

A spokesperson from Burlington Fire said there was a serious concern with this fire in particular, as the neighbourhood is tight with many old trees.

Firefighters had to move to using defensive tactics and were successful in protecting the adjacent homes.

Authorities were able to knock the fire down and prevent its spread. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, crews remain on scene, monitoring for hot spots.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

READ MORE: Crews battle chemical fire at balloon manufacturer in Hamilton

More Top News

Police forces in Golden Horseshoe remain vigilant ahead of Oct. 7

With the one-year anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel that triggered widespread conflict approaching, police forces in the Golden Horseshoe are on high alert. In...

Smilezone brings 10 new comforting children’s care spaces to Hamilton

A charity that brings joy to the lives of children undergoing medical treatment has expanded operations in Hamilton. Smilezone Foundation takes stress-inducing spaces, like hospital...

Report given to city council to revise Fare Assist program for folks with disabilities

The Accessibility Committee for Persons with Disabilities put forward a report to Hamilton's City Council today, making recommendations to shape the new HSR Fare...

Evening weather forecast for October 2, 2024

Steve Ruddick shares the forecast for October 2, 2024 and the days ahead.

Toronto officer shot during midtown investigation, police say

Toronto police say an officer has been rushed to hospital after being shot in the city's midtown area and they are searching for a...

Ontario plans to raise speed limit on 400-series highways, premier says

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province is planning to increase speed limits on 400-series highways across the province. The government increased speed limits from...

Police forces in Golden Horseshoe remain vigilant ahead of Oct. 7

With the one-year anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel that triggered widespread conflict approaching, police forces in the Golden Horseshoe are on high alert. In...