CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, N.L. — Three families are displaced after a fire tore through part of a triplex in Foxtrap late Thursday night.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and firefighters were called to the Chateau Avenue homes just before midnight to find that the fire had spread quickly from one unit, damaging the others.
Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Police say it is not suspicious.
No one was injured in the blaze, but all the families — three adults and five children — had to be relocated.
All are staying temporarily with relatives while awaiting damage assessments and additional help through insurance.
- triplex was less than a year old and was constructed as a Habitat for Humanity project.
Habitat for Humanity NL executive director Sandra Whiffen said the organization is looking at next steps.
“We’ve got to assess what’s salvageable and what we do moving forward – if we can rebuild, or what that situation is, we don’t know yet.”
She said the families and everyone who helped them build the homes are saddened by the news.
“All families completed their sweat equity on their homes, and the community – we had volunteers, skilled labour, we had sponsors, I mean it was a community event that brought this triplex together.”
She said the organization is glad there were no injuries.
“We’re really thankful that our families are safe, with this devastating situation.”
Disaster volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross have assisted a woman and two children from one unit with emergency purchases such as clothing and baby products. They also helped a woman and her teenage son from another unit with clothing purchases, food and other basic necessities.
Similar Red Cross help will be offered to the residents of the third unit if required.
The Salvation Army was also on the scene to assist the families.
