An overnight fire that damaged several homes on Edgehill Drive in Barrie's west end could result in damages eclipsing $2 million, according to a fire official.
A massive blaze that started in a townhome development area and spread to neighbouring homes is still under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Barrie fire department, but information officer Samantha Hoffmann told BarrieToday that damages are estimated to be around $2 million.
“It was a partially constructed building with about eight to 10 apartments that were destroyed by fire, and two homes on either side with significant damage,” said Hoffmann.
“We won’t know any cause at this time, but an investigation is currently underway and damages look to over $2 million," she added.
Firefighters responded to the call at 11:54 p.m., Sunday, in the area of Edgehill and Ferndale drives.
It took several hours for crews to contain the fire, and people in neighbouring homes were evacuated for safety.
Hoffmann said it was a difficult fire to handle, as it had hit a gas line in one of the homes. Enbridge was unable to shut off the line for more than four hours.
“The home on the east side of the development property saw the fire reach it and, in doing so, a gas line had been hit and it was essentially acting like blowtorch for hours,” said Hoffmann.
“The fire and heat were extreme and there were also some bush fires behind the homes that needed to be contained as well," she added.
