A major fire in London’s southwest end caused an estimated $900,000 in damage Friday after flames tore through a home on Thistleridge Crescent and spread to a neighbouring house.
The blaze started around 12:30 p.m., shortly after nearby residents reported hearing several loud popping sounds. When firefighters arrived, heavy smoke and flames were pouring from the garage and moving into the attic. Crews initially tried to fight the fire from inside but struggled to reach the attic; an aerial truck was eventually used to shift to an exterior attack.
Two vehicles burning inside the garage intensified the fire and complicated efforts to contain it. Up to 30 firefighters worked to protect the neighbouring home while also trying to access the attic of the main house, where a metal roof made the job more difficult.
The second home also caught fire but was quickly brought under control. All occupants from both houses escaped safely, and no injuries were reported. The fire was contained within an hour, though crews remained on scene to manage hotspots and assist inspectors.
Investigators believe the popping sounds heard before the fire may have come from overheated tires or batteries inside the garage. The cause remains under investigation, but the fire is thought to have originated in the garage area. Damage is estimated at $800,000 for the first home and $100,000 for the second.