Around 4 pm Monday, Halifax Regional Fire crews were dispatched to a home at 158 Stonemount Drive in Lower Sackville for a fire that started in the electrical mast which brings power into the house from the street.

A neighbour noticed smoke and flames coming from the electrical meter and called 9-1-1. Paramedics, RCMP and Nova Scotia Power crews were also dispatched to assist.

According to Scott Shaffner, Divisional Commander, the fire spread from the electrical panel area of the home and quickly spread to the kitchen area of the home. Primary and secondary searches of the home were conducted to ensure that no occupants were in the home at the time of the fire. The fire caused damage to the first floor including the floor joists which was a safety concern for firefighters battling the blaze.

The fire caused substantial damage to the rear portion of the house but is described by Shaffner as being “salvageable.”

No residents were home at the time of the fire and no neighbouring homes were damaged as a result of the blaze.  Investigators will be on scene Tuesday to determine the cause of the fire.

Photo: David Burrows