WOMAN, 2 KIDS ESCAPE FIRE ONTO ROOF FRIDAY IN HUNTSVILLE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

HUNTSVILLE — A woman and two young children had to escape through a window onto a roof early this morning, where they were rescued by police and paramedics as firefighters arrived on the scene.

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department says their firefighters, along with crews from the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department, responded to a report of a structure fire in a home on Stephenson Road 2 West in the Town of Huntsville about 2 a.m. today, Oct. 25.

They say the fire started on the first floor, forcing the family to exit a second storey window onto a porch.

When fire crews arrived on scene, members of the OPP and Muskoka Paramedic Services had coordinated the rescue of the children and were assisting the female.

The fire departments say the appreciate the actions taken by the OPP and paramedics. The occupants, members of the OPP and Muskoka Paramedic Services were transported to hospital for observation.

The cause and circumstances surrounding the fire are currently under investigation and is not deemed suspicious.

Damage is estimated at $50,000.

Officials say working smoke alarms and a well-rehearsed home fire escape plan were instrumental in the positive outcome of this fire.

With the clocks going back on Nov. 3, the fire departments would like to remind residents to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them regularly. This is also a good time to go over your home escape plan, says Mike Vadlja, fire prevention officer.