Crews and apparatus from various St. John’s Regional Fire Department stations are currently on the scene of a structure fire in Mount Pearl.
The SJRFD got the call for a structure fire in progress at 103 Commonwealth Avenue around 5 a.m. and upon arrival, the initial on-scene crews were met with heavy fire inside and smoke billowing from the dwelling as the fire broke through to the outside.
Acting Platoon Chief Gerry O'Neill said crews did a primary search of the residence and determined the home was vacant and turned their efforts toward battling the blaze. An area neighbour confirmed to the Telegram that the owner of the home is currently out of town.
The house was extensively damaged and firefighter's attacked the fire from inside and on the rooftop where they used chainsaws to chip away at the roof to vent the fire and douse the interior with water. The fire is now contained, but crews remain on scene checking for any hidden fire.
With the RNC closing Commonwealth to traffic for the next few hours while crews clean up, motorists are advised to use Brookfield Road/Richard Nolan Drive if northbound, or Smallwood Drive if southbound.
Commonwealth Ave. Is closed in the area of Whitley Dr. due to a structure fire. #NLTraffic should look for an alternative route while first responders are on scene.
— Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (@RNC_PoliceNL) December 27, 2018
