A Newmarket family is without a home after a fire in the basement of their co-operative unit Monday afternoon.
No injuries are being reported as a result of the blaze on Emerson Way at 3:39 p.m. May 6, according to a Central York Fire Services incident report.
"Upon arrival, crews encountered visible smoke from the front of a two-storey rowhouse. Firefighters entered the home and conducted search and rescue and extinguished the fire," the report said.
Five fire trucks, 20 firefighters, and one chief officer were sent to the scene. Central York Fire collaborated with York Paramedic Services, York Regional Police, and utility operators.
"The firemen were here for six hours. I believe it was a three-alarm fire," said Kolleen McCaughan, co-ordinator for Newmarket Co-operative Housing.
McCaughan heard about the fire from members of the neighbourhood. She said there was a lot of smoke. Although she was away at the time, she was anxious to return and find out what was going on.
She spoke to the unit's residents Monday night. She said they are not staying in the home because it is unlivable.
"We already contacted our insurance company," said McCaughan. "They are staying with their family now."
McCaughan walked through the residence with members of the fire department. She said the fire was contained in the basement.
"Insurance will have to repair it and bring it back up to standards," said McCaughan. "That is through the co-op's insurance."
Firefighters inspected the units on both sides for smoke and fire. All occupants were safely evacuated, and firefighters rescued a few animals from the houses. Roads were closed off.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
