THUNDER BAY - A man was sent to hospital after being exposed to smoke while attempting to put out a house fire on Coppin Road.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue were called to a Coppin Road residence just after 12 p.m. on Monday for reports of a structural fire.
“The occupant tried to fight the fire,” said Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Platoon Chief, Philip Dzuba. “He took in a little bit of smoke. He has been transported to hospital and it is unknown on his condition at this time.”
Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire and there were no other occupants in the house at the time, but according to Dzuba, the structure did sustain substantial damage.
“There is substantial damage to the main floor, with smoke and fire, and water damage to the first and second floor,” he said.
Fire crews were also seen working to open up parts of the roof to ensure the fire had not spread to the attic.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but inspectors will attend the scene on Monday to help determine a cause.
Dzuba is reminding the public that if a fire is detected inside a home to not attempt to extinguish it yourself.
“He wasn’t successful,” Dzuba said. “We urge anytime there is a fire in your house to evacuate the house, get out, and let us deal with the fire. Safety of everybody is paramount. Houses can be replaced, people can’t.”
Five pumpers and one aerial ladder unit responded to the scene.
