KINGSTON, N.S. – An unoccupied home is a total loss after an early morning fire Feb. 6 in Kingston.
Kingston District Fire Department chief Watson Armstrong confirmed his department received a call at 4:40 a.m. indicating the split-level home, located on Cherry Lane, was on fire.
They arrived at the scene around five minutes later to find the structure fire fully involved – meaning the fight would have to be a defensive one, said Armstrong.
“We couldn’t enter because the building’s integrity had already been compromised. The floors and its roof had all come in, so it all had to be done from the exterior,” said Armstrong.
“Ideally, it’s best to attack from the inside because it makes it easier. But that wasn’t an option with this fire, so we fought it defensively and everything went well.”
Armstrong confirmed mutual aid was provided by Aylesford, Nictaux and Middleton fire departments, and that the scene was officially cleared around 8:30 a.m. with a small number of firefighters remaining until around 10 a.m.
Armstrong also said the unseasonably warm temperatures meant the overall fight and resulting clean up went smoothly.
“It was a nice evening – no snow, no cold, no rain – so as far as that goes, it was great that way,” said Armstrong.
The chief also confirmed the home is a total loss and appeared to have been unoccupied “for at least a month or two” at the time of the fire.
Armstrong said the fire is now under investigation and that his department has contacted the fire marshal, who will soon examine the scene to identify any potential causes.
