The fire displaced three people. Paramedics took one occupant to hospital.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and a civilian was taken to hospital on Tuesday following a “rapidly” changing house fire in downtown Windsor.
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Windsor Fire Chief James Waffle said crews rushed into the burning home in the 400 block of Vera Place but had to retreat after the blaze flared up. Firefighters then launched a defensive attack from outside the home.
“Pretty extreme conditions as they made entry, rapidly changing conditions that caused a little concern initially,” Waffle said at the scene. “Pulled the crews out, defensive fire for a short period of time before we made reentry back into the fire.”
Waffle said the fire displaced three people. Paramedics took one occupant to hospital. The extent of the person’s injuries was unknown but the victim was “conscious and breathing.” Waffle said paramedics also treated two firefighters for minor burns at the scene.
Waffle said about 30 firefighters in eight trucks responded to the fire at 3:37 p.m. Tuesday. Police and paramedics also responded.
“We came on scene to very heavy smoke conditions,” said Waffle. “Crews made entry to the house. As they made entry conditions changed fairly rapidly.”
He said it took between 45 minutes and an hour to get the flames under control in the stifling heat, and another 45 minutes to fully extinguish the fire.
“These guys worked their tails off, took a lot of heat,” said Waffle. “Extreme conditions, close call and these guys have done a great job.”
