THUNDER BAY, ON – A suspected explosion levelled a house on Crown Street yesterday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting a massive response from Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.
Around noon on December 1st, 2024, multiple 911 calls reported an explosion followed by a raging fire engulfing a residential structure. Firefighters arrived to find the house partially collapsed and fully ablaze, with flames spreading to neighbouring homes.
Crews acted swiftly to contain the fire, preventing significant damage to adjacent properties. Unfortunately, the house where the explosion originated was completely destroyed.
“The first arriving pumper found a partially collapsed structure fully engulfed by flames,” said a Platoon Chief with Thunder Bay Fire Rescue. “Both of the neighbouring residences had also caught fire. Fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire affecting the adjacent homes.”
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified and is expected to arrive on scene today to investigate the cause of the explosion.
A significant contingent of emergency personnel responded to the incident, including 8 pumper trucks, 2 aerial ladders, and a command unit.
In the wake of this incident, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminds the public about the importance of proper maintenance of natural gas appliances by qualified professionals.
