County Road 28, north of Port Hope has reopened after being closed to allow emergency personnel to deal with a house fire early Sunday morning.
Firefighters with the Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services responded to the detached, single-family home at 3995 County Road 28 around 3 a.m., after a neighbour discovered the fire and called 911.
“Upon arrival, our crews discovered fully developed fire conditions through the entire structure,” said Port Hope Fire Chief Jason Williams. “Defensive fire suppression operations were undertaken and heavy equipment was utilized to assist in the suppression efforts.”
All three Port Hope fire stations responded to the incident, supported by water tankers from Hamilton Township Fire Department. More than 35 firefighters were on scene battling the blaze.
The fire prevention division of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene, but the extent of the damage prevented investigators from determining how the fire started.
“Due to the fire spread through the entire structure and a subsequent structural collapse, an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire was not able to be conducted,” Williams said. The fire has been classified as undetermined.
Fire officials confirmed the homeowners were not home at the time of the fire and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The fire is estimated to have caused about $750,000 damage.
Williams noted extreme cold temperatures made the overnight response particularly challenging.
“The extreme cold made this a difficult response, but our crews did an amazing job working in frigid conditions,” he said.
He thanked neighbouring fire services for their help.
“I would like to thank Chief Robinson and the members of Hamilton Township Fire Department for their help with water supply,” Williams said. “Our continued partnership in community safety is greatly appreciated.”
Fire crews remained on scene for several hours before suppression efforts were completed and the area was secured. County Road 28 was closed for several hours between Dale Road and Browns Road.