Bridgwater home destroyed by fire
Smoke filled the air as a house went up in flames in Bridgwater Lakes Monday afternoon.
Firefighters stayed at the scene for hours after a massive fire broke out around 4:15 p.m. on Rose Garden Crescent.
"It will be a total loss," said Chris Carey, the district fire chief.
By the time fire crews arrived at the home the garage was engulfed in flames but four people had made it out safely.
"It rapidly escalated after that," Carey said.
The fast-burning fire was escalated by the cab-over design of the home, Carey said.
"It makes it difficult because the fire gets into the house," he added.
With the frigid temperatures, firefighters "iced" up quickly so seven crews helped and there was also a rehab unit where they could warm up.
Josh Olfert lives in the area and was on his way home when he saw the smoke and smelled a pungent odour.
"When I got there the fire was mainly just a little bit in the garage from what I [saw]," Olfert said.
"Then within 10, 15 minutes the whole house was completely engulfed."
Olfert said he saw neighbours scrambling to get their vehicles out of nearby garages because it looked like the fire could spread.
The smell was also stronger, he said.
"Weird smells like you've never smelled before like someone had thrown a bunch of chemicals in a bonfire or something," he said.
Crews quickly arrived on the scene but Olfert said the house looked like it was completely engulfed.
Smoke from the fire is visible from Kenaston Boulevard south of Bishop Grandin.
Fire investigators are involved and there is no word on cause or cost of damages.
