Fire destroys Kitchener duplex
KITCHENER — Flames tore through a Kitchener duplex early Friday morning, destroying the building and displacing several residents.
All of the occupants got out safely after the fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. at the home near Sheldon Avenue, said fire prevention officer Rick Brooks. It’s believed a family with children lived on the main floor of the two-storey home, while another individual lived in the upstairs unit.
One person was treated by paramedics at the scene, but was not taken to hospital.
“It turned defensive pretty quickly due to the heat coming out of the building,” Brooks said, and firefighters protected buildings on either side.
Several hours later, crews poured water on the smouldering ruins as hot spots rekindled. A large portion of the roof had collapsed, and Brooks said the home will be torn down. Damage to the building and contents was estimated at $400,000.
Brooks said the fire appears to have started on the main floor, but a cause hasn’t been determined. The fire is not believed to be suspicious at this point.
The home and another next door were both for sale. Sales representative Erik Erwin of Chestnut Park Realty Southwestern Ontario said he’d already received a conditional sale on the home next to the fire scene. It didn’t appear to have sustained any damage.
King Street remained closed Friday as crews worked at the scene and awaited heavy equipment to demolish the building.