Arson is suspected as the cause of a fire in Alderville on Monday, January 29, 2024.
Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Department were dispatched to 80 Megyaak Drive near County Road 45 in Alderville at approximately 7:30 a.m.
The original call was for the smell of smoke, but the call was upgraded to a structure fire with flames showing on the outside of the home.
When fire crews arrived on scene the home owner had most of the flames extinguished.
Northumberland OPP along with Alnwick/Haldimand Township Fire Department are treating the scene as suspected arson.
There are foot tracks in the snow leading to the area where the fire started at the side of the house, then tracks leaving the area.
A OPP canine unit was to attend the scene.
Owner of the residence, Michael Beaver spoke to Today’s Northumberland and said he was inside his home reading when his house started filling up with smoke.
“I couldn’t find any open flame, “and Beaver said he turned his hydro off thinking it may have been an electrical issue.
“I couldn’t see any open flame just smoke and I could smell wood burning. I ran around the house ans saw it.”
Beaver ran into the house and got water and doused the flames.
Watching police and fire examine the area, Beaver said, “I like to think I don’t make anybody that angry.”
Damage from the fire will be thousands of dollars to replace, but it appears that Beaver can still reside at his home.
Beaver was on was out to head into Cobourg when he discovered the fire.
“I’m lucky I didn’t take off and not notice it. Just a million things going through my mind.”
No one was injured, but it will likely cost thousands to repair the damage.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
