THUNDER BAY – A devastating fire destroyed a home on Crown Street Sunday morning, attributed to a suspected gas explosion that shocked the local community.

Witnesses reported noticing the flames between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. as thick smoke billowed from the structure. Firefighters arrived swiftly on the scene, thanks to nearby units that were already responding to a different emergency call.

Stephen Vincent, the platoon chief on site, revealed that they initially received reports of a possible explosion and a structural fire. 'We could see a large plume of smoke shortly after the call came in,' he said, highlighting the quick response by the emergency teams.

Due to the intensity of the blaze and concerns about neighboring buildings, Vincent called for a second alarm to bolster response efforts, and then a third alarm, which mobilized additional resources from across the city. 'Our first arriving officer recognized the urgent need for more help given the potential risk to surrounding structures,' Vincent explained. By this point, firefighters had to call in off-duty personnel to ensure adequate coverage across Thunder Bay.

While it remains unclear whether anyone was inside the home at the time of the explosion, three people were later treated at the hospital for injuries related to the incident. Thankfully, no firefighters were harmed during the operation.

The Ontario Fire Marshal has been notified due to the nature of the suspected gas explosion and is expected to conduct a thorough investigation soon. Residents in the area have been cautioned as emergency crews work diligently to contain any remaining hazards.

Currently, High Street has been closed while firefighters continue their efforts. Both power and gas services in the block have been shut off to ensure safety, although officials anticipate a restoration of services shortly after 2 p.m.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with gas utilities, prompting discussions about safety and emergency preparedness throughout the community. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!