Malden Centre fire causes between $800k-$900k damage

Amherstburg firefighters were on scene for over two hours at a house fire on Durango Ave. late last Wednesday afternoon.

A house fire in Malden Centre has displaced a local family and caused between $800,000-$900,000 damage.

The damage estimate came from the Amherstburg Fire Department, who were called to the structure fire at approximately 4 p.m. last Wednesday. The home, located on Durango Ave., is completely destroyed, said deputy fire chief Ron Meloche.

There were 44 firefighters from all three stations attend the blaze.

“Upon arrival, we had fire through the roof,” he said. 

Meloche said Amherstburg firefighters had a completely defensive attack, meaning they could not gain access to the inside and fought it from the outside.

There were residents in the home at the time, but everyone got out safely. In addition to the people inside the home not being injured, there were no injuries to firefighters, Meloche pointed out.

“They self-evacuated prior to our arrival,”” said Meloche.

The Amherstburg Fire Department has completed its investigation, and the official cause of the fire is undetermined. Meloche said it is believed to have started outside on a deck, but not involving a barbecue. Due to the damage, fire officials were unable to determine an exact cause.

“It is a complete loss,” he said. 

Meloche added the fire was out within 90 minutes of arrival, but fire crews were on scene nearly three hours in total ensuring hot spots were extinguished.

The fire is not considered suspicious, Meloche said.

No other homes in the small subdivision were damaged, he stated.

In a report sent by Staff Sgt. Bryan Hayes, the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment confirmed officers attended the call and that occupants exited the home without injury. Police also state that the fire is not suspicious or criminal in nature.

Malden Centre fire causes between $800k-$900k damage

By RTT Staff