A house fire early Monday in Kirkland Lake caused extensive damage and left two people hospitalized.
According to Fire Chief Earl Grigg, crews were dispatched to a Main Street residence just before 1 a.m. and arrived to find the detached home completely engulfed. One resident escaped by leaping from a second-floor window, suffering a broken shoulder. The same person and another occupant were both taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
The blaze was intense enough to spread beyond the original building, damaging neighbouring properties. The affected home sustained the heaviest destruction and has been deemed a total loss.
The cause remains under investigation, though officials say there are no signs of suspicious circumstances. Total damage, including to the adjacent homes, is estimated at roughly $500,000.