Three homes were damaged after a large early-morning fire broke out in Ajax on Monday, Aug. 24, prompting an emergency response and a temporary closure of a section of Rossland Road.
The Ajax house fire was reported at about 5 a.m. in the area of Rossland Road and Church Street North. According to early information provided by Durham Regional Police, three detached homes located close to one another became engulfed in flames.
No injuries had been reported in the initial update.
Police said the fire is being treated as suspicious, although no cause has been publicly confirmed and no information has been released indicating that anyone has been charged.
Emergency crews respond before sunrise
Firefighters and police were called to the residential area shortly before the morning commute began.
Images from the scene showed a significant emergency response as crews worked around the affected homes. Early reports did not provide an estimate of the damage or say whether the houses could be reoccupied.
Authorities also had not released information about how many residents were displaced.
Because the incident remains under investigation, residents should avoid drawing conclusions about how the blaze began. A fire being described as suspicious means investigators believe the circumstances require further examination; it does not by itself establish that arson or another criminal offence occurred.
Rossland Road closed during response
The Ajax house fire also affected traffic in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Durham Regional Police said Rossland Road was closed in both directions between Church Street and Ravenscroft Road while emergency crews worked at the scene.
Motorists were asked to use alternate routes. At the time of the initial report, police had not provided an estimated reopening time.
The closure affected an important east-west route through Ajax and could create delays for residents travelling through the area during the Monday morning period.
Drivers approaching the scene should follow police directions, avoid closed sections of road and give emergency vehicles and crews enough space to operate safely.
Investigation remains in early stages
The most significant unanswered question is what caused the fire.
Police have described the incident as suspicious, but the investigation was still in its early stages when the first public details became available. No suspect information or details about a possible point of origin had been released.
There was also no immediate public estimate for the total property damage.
Further information may come from Durham Regional Police, Ajax Fire and Emergency Services or other investigators once the scene has been examined and officials are able to confirm additional facts.
No injuries reported
Despite three homes being engulfed in flames, no injuries were reported in the early update.
That is an important development given the scale of the fire and the fact that it began around 5 a.m., when many residents would normally be at home.
The Ajax house fire remains an active developing story. Residents in the Rossland Road and Church Street North area should continue to follow official emergency information for road reopening details and any updates on the investigation.
All About Durham will update the story as confirmed information becomes available.
