Two elderly residents escaped a fire with the help of fast acting neighbours that broke out in their home on Arcadia Crescent in London’s east end on Sunday night. The fire, which started around 9:00 p.m., quickly spread to the roof, sending flames and smoke billowing into the air. Franca Lorenzutti, a nearby resident, noticed the unusual noise and soon saw the flames.
Despite the intensity of the fire, the two seniors inside were unaware of the danger, as the blaze had started in the ceiling. Neighbours alerted them by knocking on the door, allowing them to escape unharmed. Lorenzutti, who has lived across from the couple for 60 years, expressed relief at their safety, saying, “Thank God they are safe, and they are out.”
Firefighters responded swiftly, managing to bring the fire under control within an hour. However, due to the fire being contained in the roof, crews worked through the night to fully extinguish it. Damage is estimated at $600,000, and investigators are still working to determine the cause.