No one was injured in a fire that caused an estimated $500,000 damage to a house on 9th Avenue East in Owen Sound Thursday afternoon.
Acting Fire Capt. Gerald Kers said the cause the fire at 2015 9th Avenue East is under investigation. Police at the scene said they’re not investigating.
One woman was home when fire broke out but she got out safely, a firefighter said.
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames at the back corner of the home. Fourteen firefighters responded, a fire department news release said. Firefighters got the call about 2:24 p.m. and were pouring water on the fire by 2:30 p.m.
Kers said when he arrived he was told two cats were inside the home. He opened the front door and one ran out. The other was unaccounted for. The home is uninhabitable.
The roof was partially collapsed, the back south side was missing siding, revealing charred two-by-fours and darkness inside the home. A window on that wall was smashed out.
The road was closed north and south of the fire while it was fought and during wrap-up at the scene. Most firefighters had left or were leaving the scene by about 5 p.m.
Ralph Scribner, the owner of A1 Storage located along 20th Street East, behind fire scene, said saw the smoke and flames. He said he tried to call 911 but after an automated voice said he was on hold the call did not connect to an operator.
Lots of people had their phones out who were watching and Scribner said he suspects the 911 lines may have been busy with reports of this fire. He took photos which show orange flames pouring out of the home.