By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Concerned neighbours on Kirkwood Street watched as a house fire raged outside their window on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.
In an interview with Seaway News, Fran Archambault and her twin grandsons, 16-year-olds Calvin and Kyle Burke, recalled the scene.
“Everybody was scared,” said Archambault. “The elderly woman who lives alone next door was in tears, but she’s going to be staying with her daughter. We’re glad she’s safe.”
It was roughly 5 p.m. on Saturday when the powerful stench of smoke alerted them to the crisis happening just outside their door.
Almost immediately, the flashing lights of five fire trucks pierced through the grey smoke rising into black clouds. Calvin pulled out his smartphone to capture a flurry of flames bursting out of the house’s back window (Footage can be seen at www.facebook.com/cornwallseawaynews).
“It was intense. It was just piling out,” said Calvin.
Shortly thereafter, they welcomed the house owner and her daughter, who happened to be visiting, inside to escape frigid temperatures, as 11 firefighters battled the blaze. The smoke outside was still so thick it crept into their house when they opened the door.
The woman was checked by paramedics and did not require aid.
“She told us they were having supper and all of a sudden heard wires sparking,” said Archambault. “They went and checked and saw smoke coming out of her closet.”
Archambault noted that firefighters were able to go back in the house to get her glasses and other personal items.
The twins said it was suggested the electric fireplace might have caused it.
Archambault’s daughter and her husband left for a trip five hours before the fire started. She’s staying there until the couple returns.
Fire officials have yet to confirm the extent of damage to the residence, which was barricaded by yellow caution tape. Their investigation continues.
Fortunately, there were no injuries. Archambault said had the woman’s daughter not stopped in, she had planned to take a nap.
