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South end fire forces family from home

No injuries but extensive damage
2017-10-20 Cedar Cres garage fire
Firefighters examine the damage to a home on Cedar Crescent following a fire on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Sue Sgambati/BarrieToday

A house fire Thursday afternoon on Cedar Crescent has been deemed accidental.

The blaze appears to have started in the garage, according to investigators. 

Barrie firefighters managed to contain the fire to the structure but it caused extensive smoke damage inside the house.

The homeowners, who operate a day care, managed to escape with four children.

But due to damage, the family will be forced out of the home for some time. 

Insurance will cover their expenses. 

"The family might be displaced for at least 8 months," said Barrie Fire Media Officer Samantha Hoffmann.

Neighbours reported hearing an explosion which prompted the Ontario Fire Marshal to be called in.

The blaze however, is not considered to be suspicious.

The man of the house uses a wheelchair and area residents jumped in to move him away from the heavy smoke.

All occupants of the home managed to get out before firefighters arrived thanks to working smoke alarms and an escape plan, according to Acting Platoon Chief Domenic Filippelli.

Filippelli estimated the damages at $70,000.

The cause of the fire has not been released.


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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