Fire destroys home, apartment building in Norton, N.B.

Some people in Norton, N.B., lost their homes to fire just weeks before Christmas.

Two buildings have been reduced to rubble following a fire Thursday night in the rural community of Norton, N.B.

Fire crews first arrived at a structure on Perkins Drive around 7:38 p.m. Thursday evening. The high winds caused the fire to spread to an apartment building next door which is no longer standing.

Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to a second apartment building just metres away, but the building owners said there was a heavy amount of smoke damage.

By noon Friday the buildings had fallen and, while no flames were present, there was still plenty of smoke emanating from both piles that were once buildings. The fire did not result in any injuries to people or pets.

A total of eight different fire departments, most of whom were volunteer, worked together to tackle the fire according to Village of Valley Waters Mayor Randy McKnight. At the height of the fire fight, McKnight says at least 13 fire trucks were on scene.

“Last night the conditions were extreme,” says McKnight. “The wind conditions certainly didn’t help. It was blowing and made the fire spread quickly but they did what they could. We’re lucky with this site that there is a river right behind, so we were able to use that as a water supply.”

Local fire departments on scene declined to speak on camera, but did confirm the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Carrie and Ryan Cossaboom owned the apartment building that burnt down, as well as an apartment building next door that was spared thanks to firefighter efforts. They learned about the fire through their son, who happened to be renting one of the units.

“All the tenants had to walk across the bridge to get out of harms way,” says Carrie, who did not specify how many people were in the building at the time of the fire but noted that three units were occupied. The couple also had two families staying in the neighbouring building that did not catch fire but have been temporarily displaced due to smoke damage.

“It’s amazing the fire departments worked as hard as they did and managed to accomplish what they did,” continues Ryan. “We were on scene watching the work and effort that really went into it and they need to be respected for what they did. Every fire department from around came and they were amazing.”

The couple has not thought much about what comes next in terms of the building itself as they have been focused on their tenants. They said those who were staying in either of the two buildings have found family to stay with for the time being.

They, along with the mayor, note that the community has already been asking how they can support the displaced people. The focus will be on clothing donations which can be made at the Valley Waters town office or in Sussex at Toni’s corner grocery which is owned by the Cossabooms.

“Our biggest hurdle is going to be helping them find housing,” says Ryan. “That’s the most important thing to me. This was just a building to us, but it was their home.”

McKnight adds structures can be rebuilt and they’re thankful the people are safe.

“The support of the community and the work of our volunteer firefighters, just to see them last night working together was certainly outstanding. I’m proud to live in a community where people are willing to step up and help each other in times of needs.”

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