A man died Thursday morning in a west Edmonton house fire.
Firefighters were called to the home in the La Perle neighbourhood at 184 Street and 96A Avenue at around 4 a.m. Thursday.
A man in his 30s was pulled by firefighters from the burning home but he died from his injuries after being taken to hospital.
Edmonton Fire Rescue said the man – who lived alone – was found in the basement.
“We were trying to bang on the door for a long time, trying to wake him up, but it didn’t work,” neighbour Cassidy Halcrow said.
“He was in the house. He had burns on his body. I saw them when they pulled him out.”
Neighbours said they saw lots of smoke coming from the back and one side of the home, with the lower half engulfed in flames.
Station Captain Darcy Bell said neighbours called 911 after first seeing the flames by the front door.
“Just an early morning fire that started in the basement, confined to the basement for the most part,” Bell said.
“We got here within three minutes. Got quick access into the basement area. He was found a short time later and the fire was extinguished.”
Neighbours said the victim’s parents both died within the last few years and that he often kept to himself.
“I saw him, just passing by, and sometimes I say good morning or good afternoon. He just puts his head down,” Frimino Da Silva said.
Silva’s wife Aielisa said she and other neighbours were often worried for his well-being and did a welfare check on him recently.
“Last month, my neighbour… we were worried about him again because the grass was so high. She knocked on the door so hard, maybe we’re going to call police… then he came and opened the door and he said, ‘no, I’m okay.'”
The couple said the incident has left them saddened.
“I have a child too. It’s sad to see somebody so lonely like this. I think we should be aware of the loneliness of people.”
Edmonton fire said there’s no indication that the blaze is suspicious. The investigation continues.
Comments