Fire burns home to the ground
Published Thursday January 8th, 2009
A Fredericton-area man was treated for minor injuries early Wednesday after a fire destroyed his small home on Royal Road outside Stanley.
John Booker was taken to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital for observation and later released.
All that was left of the structure by mid-morning was the foundation.
"Basically, it was a chimney fire," Booker said late Wednesday afternoon. "I heat with wood and things got out of hand. I have been with wood all of my life, but these things happen."
Booker, who suffers from a breathing disorder, said he was stirred from his sleep by the smell of smoke.
"I tried to put the fire out, but I couldn't breath," he said. "Once I saw it (was out of control), I just left. I jumped on my ATV and drove out to a neighbour's and called the fire department."
Lisa Condly said Booker's hair and beard were singed when he came knocking at her door.
"It scared the crap out of me," Condly said.
"He got out of the fire with just his shirt and underwear on. He asked me to call 9-1-1; his house was burning. I imagine it went up in 15 or 20 minutes.
"It's sad. He didn't have a whole lot and now he has lost everything."
Capt. Tony Asprey of the Keswick Valley Fire Department said firefighters were alerted just after 8 a.m. but could do nothing to save the home, as the blaze had consumed the small structure situated at 2487 Royal Rd.
The home, located some distance from the highway, is accessible by mostly four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The fire department was unable to get its trucks to the site.
"The fire must have been burning for quite some time," Asprey said. "I just live a few houses from here, and when I saw it, it was pretty much down to the ground."
Asprey said his main focus was to secure medical attention for Booker.
"He was having a little trouble breathing," Asprey said. "His face was singed, but other than that, I think he is OK."
Booker, who has been set up by the Red Cross for a couple of days at the Fredericton Inn, said he needs to find a place to live. He said he hopes to rebuild, if he can raise the money. Neighbours and friends have given him clothes.
"I hope I can get some of the neighbours to band together and lend a hand," Booker said. "I need time to talk to a few people and see what I can line up on my own."
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