Utter devastation
Fire destroys large home, garage and RV in Lower Debert
A large home and attached garage were devastated by fire Monday afternoon, despite efforts of several fire brigades that responded.
“Probably one of the biggest residential fires we’ve had in a long time,” said Clair Peers, spokesman for the Onslow Belmont Fire Brigade.
The family home, at the end of Five Point Road in Lower Debert. belonged to Bernice Kenney.
The alarm was raised by an Earth Angels home care worker who was tending to Kenney at the time.
“She said that she came outside and she looked back and saw flames in the window,” Peers said.
No one was injured in the blaze although some pets did perish in the fire, said a family member who was too overwhelmed to provide further details.
Peers said the cause of the blaze was not immediately known. And given the extent of the damage — which reduced the entire structure to charred ruins — he suggested there was little likelihood one could be determined.
A large motorhome, parked beside the residence, was also destroyed.
Approximately 25 firefighters from the Onslow Belmont, Cobequid and Great Village departments turned out after the initial call came in, shortly after 12:30 p.m. Smoke could be seen billowing over the area from several kilometres.
Heavy winds also fanned the flames. Peers said firefighters had no chance of saving the structure, given the degree and intensity of the blaze when they arrived.
Firefighters were still on the scene by late afternoon. While the blaze was still being fought, a large excavator was brought in to assist with moving burning debris.