2nd fire in a week at abandoned Regina home

A Regina firefighter had a close call after falling through a floor while responding to a suspicious fire at an abandoned house on Thursday.

Regina Fire & Protective Services were called to the home on the 1700 block of Toronto Street around 2:15 a.m. The house was boarded up, and no one was inside at the time.

The fire caused severe damage to the building and proved to be very difficult to put out. At one point a firefighter fell from the second floor to the main level of the building. Fortunately the firefighter was not seriously hurt and remained on duty.

“This close call demonstrates the inherent risk our firefighters face each day,” Regina Fire Chief Ernie Polsom said in a news release.

The firefighters were following proper procedures when it happened, but Polsom said the fire department will analyze the events to see if they can improve.

It’s the second time this week that fire crews have been called to the vacant house. A fire on Monday night is under investigation for arson, and the second fire is considered to be highly suspicious. Regina police are assisting with the investigation.

Fire on 1700 Blk Toronto. Unoccupied home. Fire extinguished with no injuries. Cause under investigation. #RFPS pic.twitter.com/F3ZBQIUCfG

— Regina Fire (@Regina_Fire) January 21, 2016