CORNWALL, Ontario - McKenzie Desjardins was enjoying a great Sunday afternoon at his Cartier Avenue home in Cornwall when things suddenly turned desperate.
While completing an oil change on his father's car he saw smoke and flames pouring from the backyard of his neighbour's home.
Desjardins quickly grabbed a hose and tried in vain to put the fire out - but there was no way to beat back the flames.
"I just looked over and his backyard was on fire," said Desjardins, who added he believes the man was trying to light his barbecue when the blaze was sparked.
There were no injuries.
But damage from the fire was evident. Siding had been scorched and blackened by the fire in at least two homes, including Desjardins'.
"That's my insulation they're pulling out there," he said, pointing to the back of his home where firefighters were busy ensuring the flames didn't start again. "It happens."
The blaze was quickly brought under control by firefighters.
Cartier Avenue was blocked to traffic while emergency crews worked at the scene. A large collection of onlookers gathered to see the spectacle.
