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Quick actions of neighbour alert occupants to house on fire

Jakeman kicked down the front door and called out until the occupants fled the burning structure

All six occupants of a duplex on Kodiak Crescent are safe or are accounted for after a Sunday morning fire, according to North Bay Fire and Emergency Services. All pets also made it to safety.

Several of the occupants, including a child, were examined by Nipissing District paramedics for smoke inhalation although no major injuries were reported. It is unclear how many of the residents were taken to North Bay Regional Health Centre although an additional ambulance was called to the scene.

Still feeling the boost of adrenaline after an eventful Sunday morning, A.J. Jakeman says he is glad he didn't dismiss the odour of smoke and burning plastic he smelled during his exercise routine.

Jakeman says he looked out the front door of his semi-detached home and could not see Kodiak Crescent due to the thick, billowing smoke coming from the attached, neighbouring home's garage.

He says this is when the instincts took over. After calling 911, he ran next door to alert his neighbours to the danger. Receiving no response, Jakeman kicked down the front door and called out until the occupants fled the burning structure. 

NBFES trucks and personnel responded to the structure fire at 8 Kodiak Cr. just after 7 this morning. All three stations were involved with the response with the first crew arriving within minutes of Jakeman's call for help.

Platoon Chief Mike Hives says no cause had been determined, there is in the neighbourhood of $75,000 damage, and the Fire Prevention team would be responding today.

"There is a  lot of smoke damage and the garage has been gutted," says Hives, adding the smoke damage will displace the occupants of the two units from where the fire originated. 

Jakeman, who had managed to coax his cat into a carrying case, stood on Kodiak and watched as the firefighters and paramedics did their work. 

Happy everyone escaped the Sunday morning danger, and able to get back inside his home, Jakeman nodded to the first responders.

"They are the real heroes," he said appreciatively.


Stu Campaigne

About the Author: Stu Campaigne

Stu Campaigne is a full-time news reporter for BayToday.ca, focusing on local politics and sharing our community's compelling human interest stories.
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