ST. PAUL – The St. Paul Fire Department responded to two structure fires within a few hours on Oct. 10.
The first fire occurred at a mobile home south of St. Paul. The fire department responded at approximately 4:45 p.m.
The trailer was already fully engulfed upon the fire department’s arrival, “and a defensive posture was taken,” Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich told Lakeland This Week in a statement.
According to Kotowich, there were two adults and one child at the trailer when the fire was initially discovered outside. But they were not inside when the fire moved to the trailer. So, no injuries occurred.
Four fire trucks and 14 firefighters responded to the scene. The fire department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Second fire
Later that night, at around 11:30 p.m., emergency responders were called to another fire north of St. Paul. This time at an abandoned house located at 5714-40 St. at Highway 881, which was continually being secured by the Town of St. Paul, according to Kotowich.
Four fire trucks and 15 firefighters responded.
The fire was contained to the house, but fire conditions were too intense for crews to make entry, said the fire chief. To ensure safety to the surroundings, firefighters put the fire under control and used an excavator to tear down the partially standing walls.
“It is believed the fire was intentionally set and is being investigated by the RCMP and St. Paul Fire Department,” Kotowich said.
According to Kotowich, while it is uncommon to respond to two intense structure fires in a short period of time, “There is no reason to believe these two fires are connected.”