FIRE BREAKS OUT IN BASEMENT APARTMENT AFTER EARLIER FALSE ALARM AT THE SAME HOME

An early morning fire at a home on Lewisporte Place in the West-end of St. John’s prompted a second emergency response in less than 24 hours, after crews had already been called to the same address the previous day for what was determined to be a false alarm.

Emergency crews, including the St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD), Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS), were dispatched to the home at approximately 3:40 a.m. on May 3 following reports of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters located an active fire contained to a section of the basement apartment. Crews quickly deployed an attack line and were able to bring the fire under control before it spread further throughout the structure.

The basement unit sustained minor to moderate fire and smoke damage as a result of the incident. Firefighters also used ventilation equipment to clear smoke from the residence.

The upstairs portion of the home did not sustain any structural damage, although a noticeable smell of smoke was reported. The occupant of the upstairs unit was not injured.

At least two people have been displaced due to the fire, including one resident from the basement apartment and one from the upstairs unit. The individual living in the basement apartment was not located at the time of the fire and is believed to have not been home when crews arrived.

This incident follows an earlier call to the same residence at approximately 1:20 p.m. on May 2. At that time, firefighters conducted a full search of the property but found no signs of fire. The situation was later attributed to a neighbour dispute, according to a platoon chief on scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.