A townhouse fire in northeast London has left two firefighters with minor injuries.
Fire crews were called to the home at 312 Boullee St., north of Cheapside Street around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. When they arrived, less than five minutes after the initial 911 call, light smoke was coming from the front of the two-storey structure.
"We were able to make entry and do a search for the fire," said Platoon Chief Colin Shewell. "The fire was contained to the unit, however, the adjacent unit did have some smoke migrate over."
Thanks to working smoke alarms all of the occupants of the townhouse escaped without injury and were able to tell firefighters there was no longer anyone inside.
"It freed up our crews to fight the fire and contain it to the unit of origin. It is a great reminder that working smoke alarms are key for early notification and also to have a meeting place and an escape plan so that our crews know that everyone is out," said Shewell.
One cat was killed in the blaze and two firefighters are being treated for muscle strains. According to Shewell, the firefighters are in "good spirits" despite their injuries.
The cause of the fire, which is believed to have begun in the basement, is under investigation but is not considered suspicious.
Damage is estimated at $250,000.
London Middlesex Community Housing is working to find alternative accommodations for the family of six displaced by the fire.
