House near Desbarats destroyed by fire, explosion

East Algoma – Thessalon OPP report that a $250,000 home was destroyed by a fire and explosion.

The fire occurred early Sunday on Barr Road in Tarbutt Additional Township, but wasn't reported by police until today.

Neighbours tell SooToday.com that they saw propane tanks exploding at the scene, and that a new car was destroyed in the garage.

The following was released by East Algoma – Thessalon OPP at 9:16 a.m.:

**************************************************************** Tarbutt Additional Township, West of Desbarats, Ontario

On August 10, 2003 at approximately 12:10 A.M. the East Algoma – Thessalon OPP were dispatched to the area of Barr Road in Tarbutt Additional Township regarding a large explosion.

Officers responded to the area and located a residence on fire on the North side of Barr Road.

Shortly after midnight a guest staying at the residence was awakened when she heard noises coming from the attached garage.

Once she got out of bed, she could see an orange glow and flames coming from the front of the garage.

The guest Aline POIRIER is credited with saving lives when she was able to awaken the family and everyone was able to escape without injury.

The damage estimate for the home is $250,000.00 and an unknown amount for the contents.

The residence was totally destroyed and the family members escaped the fire with no personal effects other than the clothes they were wearing.

The fire appears to have started in the attached garage. The fire is not suspicious in nature.

The fire remains under investigation.

Johnson Township, Desbarats, Ontario

On Saturday August 9, 2003 at approximately 3:00 P.M. the East Algoma – Thessalon OPP, Sault Search and Rescue and the St. Joseph Ambulance were advised of an injured rock climber on Cave Road, North of Desbarats, Ontario.

Off-duty Constable Gavin Grant was contacted at his camp for directions to the area and without hesitation lent a helping hand.

GRANT ran the ½ mile to the area to check on the injured male while awaiting assistance.

GRANT then transported the male with the assistance of local cottagers by All-Terrain Vehicle and boat to the boat dock where the ambulance was waiting.

The injured male was transported to the Sault Area Hospital by ambulance.

David METZ (23) of Gladwin, Michigan suffered minor injuries to his ribs and foot.

METZ advised that he was climbing a rock cliff and was approximately 50 feet up.

He was wearing a harness with a belay line attached. When METZ attempted to go around a ledge he fell and the belay line had too much slack in it, being pulled quickly through his friend’s hands.

METZ hit the ground feet first being injured in the fall. He was treated and released from the hospital.

Plummer Additional Township, North of Bruce Mines, Ontario

On August 11, 2003 at approximately 8:10 A.M. the East Algoma – Thessalon OPP were contacted regarding a Break and Enter to the Plummer Additional Municipal Office.

Suspects entered the office between Friday August 8, 2003 at 16:30 P.M. and Monday August 11, 2003 at 8:00 A.M. Stolen in the break and enter was a TV/VCR combo and a lap top computer.

If you have any information regarding this break, enter and theft, contact the East Algoma OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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