Old Barns fire destroys home for two families
OLD BARNS, NS. - A recent fire in Old Barns has left two families seeking new homes as well as claiming the life of a beloved family pet.
Mike Castein said he was awakened by someone screaming “fire” on the night of Feb. 14 and when he rushed out of his bedroom to check, his home was ablaze.
“I ran out to the kitchen to eight-foot-high flames,” Castein wrote, in an email to the Truro News. “We grabbed the kids and ran to the front door which was blocked - never will I ever block a door again.”
Cobequid District Fire Brigade received a call out that night at 9:54 p.m. regarding a structure fire at 3312 Highway 236.
Fire Chief Trevor Forbes said the fire was brought under control around midnight, with the assistance of Onslow Belmont Fire Brigade, Hilden Volunteer Fire Brigade, Truro Fire Service and Valley-kemptown District Fire Brigade.
Castein said when he reached the blocked door, he threw everything aside to enable a safe exit for everyone. He then checked on the status of another family in an upstairs unit and discovered that couple and their two-year-old son had also gotten out safely.
“They were coming down when I got there, and I noticed they had their dog. That's when it clicked for me. Sam, my 11-year-old Siberian Husky, was still inside.”
Castein said he “stupidly” ran back into the flames hollering for the dog.
“The ceiling was falling in at that point and I didn't see her,” he said. “And Rachael, my neighbour, was screaming at me not to go in any farther. I tried to run around to the front again, but the smoke inhalation was too much.
“Sadly, Sammy didn't make it but, somehow, some way, I believe she saved us.”
A hamster and pet fish also perished in the blaze.
“But the kids made it out safely, that's all that matters,” Castein said.
Castein gave full marks to the firefighters for their efforts and fast response.
“I know the firefighters are beat up they couldn't save the dog, but I am extremely grateful for these men and women who run into these types of situations,” he said.
Castein’s uncle has set-up a Gofundme page for the family – Family lost everything in fire by Shawn Perrin.
“We are also in search for an apartment, anything. But this time of year has proven very difficult to find anything at all,” he said, noting the family is staying with relatives across the road from his former residence.
“We are so very grateful for all the support Truro has had to offer.”
Castein said the other affected residents are also staying with family while searching for a new home.