Four individuals, including two teenagers and an infant, escaped a rapid house fire with the help of an off-duty RCMP officer who intervened and assisted a distressed man in extracting his family through a basement window.
Constable Anton Lorde, a ten-year RCMP veteran, was heading home after his July 18 shift when he noticed dense smoke rising in the Whitney Pier neighborhood of Sydney, N.S., leading him to Mount Pleasant Street.
Upon arrival, Lorde encountered a house engulfed in flames, prompting him to secure the area for firefighters. However, upon learning from a neighbor that multiple individuals, including children, resided in the house, he sprang into action.
After being directed to a backyard, Lorde scaled a fence and began banging on windows, discovering a frightened boy inside. Urging the occupants to evacuate, he sought assistance in breaking the glass, which led to the father of the children appearing and aiding in their rescue.
Peter Magliaro, the homeowner, recounted his harrowing experience of rushing through the flames to save his children, emphasizing his sole concern for their safety. With the help of Lorde and another family member, Magliaro successfully evacuated all family members, including his stepdaughter’s infant.
Lorde, alongside Magliaro, downplayed heroics, emphasizing the collective effort that saved lives. Despite being hailed as a hero by onlookers, Lorde humbly attributed his presence to fate.
Following the incident, authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with Magliaro suspecting foul play and offering a reward for information leading to the perpetrators. The family, now residing in temporary accommodations, plans to rebuild despite the loss of their uninsured home.
The community’s swift response to the fire prevented further casualties, with the family’s pets also being rescued. Investigations by the fire marshal’s office and local police are ongoing, aiming to determine the fire’s origin and any potential criminal activity.
