By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
An early morning house fire on Ebenezer St. early last Tuesday is under investigation by the Chatham-Kent Police Service.
Firefighters from Ridgetown Station 11 of the Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue found a structure fully engulfed in flames as they arrived at 61 Ebenezer St. just after 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Station 10 Orford was also dispatched as a part of CKFR’s two-station response system.
Several 9-1-1 calls were received at the Chatham-Kent Emergency Communication Centre, reporting flames and heavy smoke coming from the front of the residence.
With the rapidly spreading throughout the structure and the lone resident safely outside, firefighters initiated defensive operations and worked to protect neighbouring properties.
Residents of a home next door to the fire were evacuated as a precaution.
“I just want to rave about the officers and firefighters who got my family and me out of the house while my neighbour’s house was on fire,” Domino Young wrote on her Facebook post, which she approved to appear in The Ridgetown Independent News. “Especially the officer who called me a few times to let me know my house was ok, especially because we only had time to grab our dogs, so our cat and hamster were left behind, and my daughter was beyond worried about them.”
“They did a wonderful job, and I am so thankful everyone is ok,” Young wrote.
The fire was brought under control following an extended suppression effort. Firefighters remained on scene, extinguishing hot spots.
Damage is estimated at $500,000, and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters were supported on scene by Chatham-Kent EMS, Chatham-Kent Police Service, Enbridge Gas, and Entegrus.
CK Police, along with investigators from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, were still on site Thursday afternoon.
Steel fencing was placed around the residence later in the day.
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