Freezing conditions on the weekend made for a challenging evening for firefighters in Sudbury, who had to battle a house fire and the elements.
A fire broke out Saturday at a home in a remote part of Wahnapitae, where there are no fire hydrants.
Two people made it out safely after smelling smoke.
Fire officials say with the water and the wind, vehicles and equipment were freezing up, and because of frigid overnight temperatures, there were also concerns about the effects of hypothermia on firefighters.
“Obviously, we had some wind-chill, roughly negative 40, negative 45, so freezing lines, equipment, manpower, being cold. So, the platoon chief on duty actually got a Sudbury Transit bus there so the guys could rehab and keep warm.” said Andre Laurin, of Greater Sudbury Fire Services.
31 firefighters responded to the scene and battled the blaze for six hours.
Damage is estimated at over $180,000.
