A 6-year-old boy had to be treated for smoke inhalation after a fire at a downtown London housing co-operative.
Fire crews were called to the building on King St. between Lyle St. and Adelaide St. around 11:30pm Sunday night. When they arrived, they found a fire that started on the front porch before spreading up the exterior of the building and into the attic, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jack Burt.
“Our damage estimate is $800,000 due to fire spreading to neighbouring units, and water damage,” said Burt.
The building remained cordoned off on Monday with investigators on scene working to find out how the fire started.
“Right now the cause of the fire is under investigation while we’re trying to determine the origin, cause, and circumstances of the fire,” Burt said. “The Fire Marshall has assigned an investigator to assist London police and the fire department in determining the cause.”
While there were no serious injuries, Burt said a 6-year-old boy was taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation. The child was treated and released.
However, had it not been for the quick thinking of a neighbour, the boy's injuries could have been far worse.
Jonathan Cressman
Jonathan Cressman, who lives in the housing co-operative with his aunt, was watching Netflix when he heard the commotion coming from the neighbouring building.
"We heard the whole window give out so I came running to see what was going on. There was smoke everywhere... I got my aunt out of the house. I saw a boy stuck upstairs. So I climbed up there to get the boy... I literally had to jump down with the boy in my hands," said Cressman.
In order to rescue the boy, Cressman had to scale a fence, then climb onto the second storey balcony.
"There was no time to go up the stairs. The boy was really shaken up. He wouldn't even say a word," said Cressman.
The 27-year-old said he didn't know the boy before the blaze but was happy he could help in his moment of need.
"I feel like I did a good thing for someone for once," said Cressman. "I don't see myself as a hero. I just think anyone would do that."
The fire has displaced 12 families of the Tolpuddle Housing Co-op. The Old East Village Grocer was quick to donate food to the families, but children's clothing for boys and girls aged 6-months to 8 years old is still needed.
-With files from Scott Kitching
