A fire in Monte Creek last night which killed one person and destroyed a home was in an area with no dedicated fire protection.
The fire at 1257 Hook Road engulfed a home next to Hermitage Forest Products, but the cause remains unknown.
The identity of the person killed in the fire has not been shared by RCMP, but witness accounts say a person had returned into the home to try and rescue a pet.
Sarah Sandholm lives in Monte Creek, not far from where the fire broke out. She says she rode over on her bike with her son when she learned what was going on.
When speaking to NL News early Tuesday morning, Sandholm was not aware whether occupants of the home had gotten out safely.
She also says she was surprised to see the Pritchard Volunteer Fire Department on scene as the home was outside their coverage area with the fire hall 15 minutes away.
“We’re concerned about the safety of our families and our homes, and our neighbours. We hope that this tragedy is a catalyst for more fire protection in our area,” she said, noting fire crews recognized the serious risk of the fire spreading.
Sandholm notes Monte Creek residents have met with the Thompson Nicola Regional District about a proposal to build a new satellite fire hall in Monte Creek. She says the TNRD is “very committed” to bringing in that service.
Ironically, Sandholm says the couple who lost their home last night, Ed and Linda Herman, had proposed donating a part of their land to build a fire hall on.
This was also confirmed by TNRD area director and board chair Ken Gillis. He told NL News the Hermans had a written agreement to donate an acre of land if the TNRD were to go ahead with a new firehall were to be built.
Last year, before the pandemic began, the TNRD board voted to do a study on bringing fire protection to Monte Creek.That study was done in March of this year, and there are early plans for a referendum to propose a new levy to landowners to pay for the service.
Sandholm says based on early discussions, what has been proposed is “reasonable.”
(Photo: Twitter @mmartin681)
