BATTERIES CAUSE EAST-END HOUSE FIRE

(May 12th)

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Monday (May 11th), firefighters with the St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD), along with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and NL Health Services (NLHS), responded to a structure fire at a home on Eastbourne Crescent in St. John’s.

When crews arrived, they encountered an active fire in one of the rooms inside the residence. Firefighters quickly deployed an attack line into the home and quickly brought the fire under control.

Following the knockdown, crews remained on scene conducting overhaul to check for hidden fire and hotspots within the walls and ceiling.

An SJRFD Platoon Chief said at the scene that the fire is believed to have originated from batteries that were charging in the room. Four batteries for an electric lawnmower were reportedly charging at the time.

The fire was contained to one room which sustained extensive fire, smoke and water damage. Smoke also spread throughout the residence, requiring firefighters to use a ventilation fan to clear the home.

The Platoon Chief also confirmed that there was at least three residents home at the time. All were assessed by paramedics at the scene and at least one resident was transported to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

All three residents have been displaced as a result of the fire.