Four individuals, including two teenagers and an infant, were saved from a rapid house fire by an off-duty RCMP officer who assisted a distressed man in extracting his family through a basement window. Constable Anton Lorde, returning home after his shift on July 18, noticed a large plume of dark smoke in the sky which led him to Mount Pleasant Street in the Whitney Pier neighborhood of Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Upon arrival, Lorde encountered a blazing house with flames engulfing the front, sides, and roof. Initially assuming the house was empty due to people milling about, he promptly cleared the street for incoming fire trucks. However, after learning from a neighbor that several individuals, including children, resided there, Lorde sprang into action.
Directed to a backyard, Lorde scaled a fence and proceeded to knock on windows of the burning structure, checking each in case of occupants. Startled eyes peered through blinds as a young boy was discovered inside. Urging the boy to evacuate, Lorde’s attention shifted to the father who emerged to aid in the rescue effort.
Peter Magliaro, the homeowner, recounted receiving a call about the fire while almost home, prompting him to rush through intense heat to rescue his children. With the assistance of Lorde, the children, including a four-month-old baby, were safely evacuated through a basement window.
Acknowledging the collaborative rescue, Lorde emphasized the collective effort involved, underscoring the importance of quick thinking and training in such emergencies. Magliaro echoed this sentiment, highlighting the bravery and unity displayed during the crisis.
The fire department responded promptly to the incident, saving the family’s pets, as investigations into the cause of the fire commenced. Magliaro suspects foul play and has offered a reward for information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrators. While the fire marshal’s office refrained from commenting due to the ongoing investigation, Magliaro remains hopeful for justice.
Currently residing in temporary accommodation, Magliaro plans to rebuild his uninsured home with savings, determined to restore the place he has called home for over three decades. The investigation is expected to yield results in the coming weeks, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the fire.
