Guelph firefighters are “emotionally drained” after three house fires in 24 hours, says the department’s deputy chief.
“This is not normal,” said Steven Goode after two people died in one residential fire and others were taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
“In my 29 years, this is the first time I’ve experienced something like this. It’s emotionally draining on our staff.”
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The first fire, in which two women died of their injuries, happened early Monday, around 12:40 a.m. at 383 Edinburgh Rd. S.
Guelph firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke, two occupants self evacuated, and two others reported to be still inside.
The remains of a unit at 383 Edinburgh Rd. S in Guelph where two people were killed in a house fire, Monday, March 11, 2024.
Mathew McCarthy Waterloo Region Record
“Under extremely dangerous conditions,” firefighters fought their way to the second floor to rescue the two remaining occupants, said fire Chief Brian Arnold.
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One was pronounced dead on scene. The other later succumbed to their injuries.
Emergency responders attended the scene and the Guelph Fire Department, which called in five stations, was able to put out the fire. The two occupants who escaped were treated at hospital for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
The second fire, in which two occupants escaped early, happened at 365 West Acres Drive before 7 p.m. on Monday, with damage to the garage and second floor.
No injuries were reported.
A fire destroyed a house at 365 West Acres Drive in Guelph, Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
Mathew McCarthy Waterloo Region Record
The third fire happened at 57 Kirkland Street Tuesday at 12:53 a.m.
In that incident, fire officials said one person self-evacuated and was taken to Hamilton General Hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.
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The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office is investigating both the Edinburgh Road fire, with help from the Guelph Police Service and the Guelph Fire Department, and the Kirkland Street fire.
No causes or damage estimates for any of the fires were immediately available, and none of the fires were connected, says Deputy Chief Goode.
Guelph police spokesperson Scott Tracey said none of the fires are considered suspicious.
Fire officials remind people to ensure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes, and to practice a home escape plan.
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