CAT DIES IN $500,000 HOUSE FIRE IN HUNTSVILLE EARLY MONDAY ON ASPDIN ROAD

HUNTSVILLE — A pet’s death and damage to a home of more than half a million may be attributed to the lack of a smoke detector here early yesterday morning.

Firefighters in Huntsville are investigating after responding at about 2:15 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, on Aspdin Road.

Crews from Station 1 Huntsville and Station 5 Port Sydney were dispatched.

They say that on arrival, firefighters discovered a full blown single storey home with flames through the roof.

Crews acted to suppress the fire and prevent further damage.

The roof and the ground floor of the home were completely destroyed by fire.

Thankfully there were no personal injuries reported and damage is estimated to be at least $500,000.

Unfortunately, the owner’s pet cat died in the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

A release from the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department says it is not clear if there were working smoking alarms, although crews and neighbours did not hear any alarms from the exterior.

They remind residents to install a smoke alarm on every level of their home and outside of their bedroom. And to never remove the batteries from the alarms. Also replace batteries annually, and be sure to replace detectors after 10 years.

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department encourages residents to contact the Fire Prevention Division for help answering any questions or concerns about fire safety in their home or business.