Fire breaks out at firefighter’s home
Awarded Thorold volunteer Shaun Crathern active in the community
A volunteer firefighter was devastated after a Monday afternoon blaze severely damaged his Thorold home, a week before Christmas.
“Right now, they are just so in shock,” said Thorold’s acting fire Chief Vince Giovannini.
Giovannini said he has been considering ways to help the couple who live in the two-storey home at 23 Welland St. S., identified by a neighbour as Thorold volunteer firefighter Shaun Crathern and his wife Charlene.
“It’s already in the back of my mind, but I’m not sure what we can do,” Giovannini said.
Crathern, who was awarded the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal in June 2017 for 20 years of service as a volunteer firefighter, has also been involved in efforts to support community organizations while working with the volunteers — including collecting food and cash donations for Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold a week ago.
Giovannini said no one was home when the fire broke out at about 1:30 p.m., and no injuries were reported.
“We may have some pets (that might have been in the building), but we’re still trying to confirm,” he said. “The important thing is that everybody’s OK, but it’s still too early to say anything.”
Giovannini said the fire is under investigation, including its cause and extent of the damage.
“It’s a reminder that smoke alarms save lives, and smoke alarms were sounding at the time,” he said.
No further details were available Monday evening.