Wind-driven Fire causes significant damage to St. John’s home early Wednesday morning

Firefighters with the St. John’s Regional Fire Department were called to a home on Winchester Street at approximately 12:40 a.m. on Wednesday.

When crews arrived from Central Fire Station, heavy smoke could be seen coming from the home. Firefighters laid an attack line to try to knock down the blaze, but winds made that difficult. As winds picked up, so did flames. Fire started shooting out of the front, rear, and side of the house, causing firefighters to use a deck gun that is located on top of the fire truck to put the fire under control and allow firefighters to knock down the remaining flames in the attic.

Another engine was called in from West End Fire Station to help contain the blaze. Overall, it took firefighters from four fire stations to get the blaze under control in about 50 minutes. Firefighters from Central, Kenmount, West End, and Kent’s Pond attended the scene.

Traffic in the area was disrupted as crews battled the blaze. An official on scene stated that no one was home at the time of the blaze; it is unknown at this time what caused the fire, and the home sustained significant smoke, fire, and water damage. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

More information will be provided if it becomes available.