There were no injuries, but a home in Port Hope was heavily damaged by fire on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Municipality of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services received numerous 9-1-1 calls around 9:30 a.m. for a residential fire on Chalmers Court.
Fire Chief Jason Williams said when fire crews arrived there was heavy smoke coming from the single story home and visible flames.
“This fire upon arrival there was heavy smoke and fire conditions in the basement and main level of the home.”
Williams said basement fires are always a challenge and this fire appeared to be burning for a number of hours before being spotted.
“When they are entering in, those high heat conditions and reduced visibility is very difficult.
Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters entered the home crawling on their hands and knees.
Almost immediately firefighters discovered the main floor had been burned through to the basement.
“Basement fires are extremely dangerous for firefighters due to the limited means of access and egress.
You only have one way in, and one way out.”
Williams said it appears to have started in the basement and had been burning for hours.
With fire spread throughout part of the home, Williams said the home sustained major fire and smoke damage, but added that “firefighters did an amazing job” knocking down the fire quickly.
Port Hope Police blocked off areas of the street as a number of emergency vehicles were in attendance including Northumberland Paramedics.
With the street blocked off, a Port Hope Police officer helped a woman carry her groceries back to her residence.
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
