An Oakville firefighter was taken to hospital after responding to a $170,000 house fire on Aug. 20.
Fire crews were called to a dwelling on Devon Road, near Breton Close, at 6:23 p.m., after a neighbour noticed fire on the outside of the adjacent home and called 911.
“Firefighters arrived and witnessed flames on the exterior of the home,” said fire Chief Paul Boissonneault. “The fire had spread to the second-floor attic area.”
The fire chief said the fire was brought under control in a timely manner, however, full extinguishment required firefighters to remove the second-floor drywall ceiling so they could access the attic space.
He said most interior walls remained fully intact and structurally are in good condition.
Boissonneault said one person was in the residence when the fire started, but they along with a dog were able to get out on their own before firefighters arrived.
While this occupant and their dog were not injured, Boissonneault said one firefighter received a minor injury during efforts to find and eliminate smouldering material, which began after the main fire was put out.
He said this firefighter was taken to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital as a precaution and examined. The firefighter was released later in the evening.
The cause of the fire has not been determined; however, it is not considered suspicious.
Boissonneault said the blaze was made worse when it damaged a natural gas valve, which he said caused it to intensify and grow.
The damage to the property has been estimated at $170,000.
The fire chief noted there were working smoke alarms on all levels of the home.
He called on residents to develop a home escape plan and noted this could be very important if fire blocks an exit.