The cause of a Friday afternoon structure fire in Shrewsbury remains unknown to emergency response crews.
Blenheim fire crews from stations 14 and 18 were called to 27 Wellington St. at approximately 12:20 p.m. No one was inside the home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
"On arrival, they encountered smoke and flames inside the home. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire," said Whitney Burk, public educator with Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services. "[They] remained on-scene to ensure that all deep-seated burning was extinguished."
The entire house was saved because of a functioning smoke alarm, added Burk.
"Smoke alarms save lives," she said. "Install working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas and test them monthly. If battery operated, replace the battery twice annually when you change your clocks."
Homeowner Ken Bell was at the scene promptly after receiving a phone call from one of his neighbours. He said once he was notified of the fire, he rushed home. While inside he told Blackburn News he witnessed smoke and water damage to a room in the house, where he suspects the fire started.
The estimated damage is around $120,000.
