KITCHENER — Ontario Provincial Police say that two firefighters were assaulted after responding to fire at a modular home community in Listowel on Monday evening. Just after 8:30 p.m., officers in Perth County along with firefighters from North Perth and Minto were called to a residential fire on Perth Line 86 between 157 and Tremaine Ave S. When fire crews arrived at the modular home community, police allege that two firefighters were assaulted by a person at the scene. A 50-year-old resident of North Perth has been arrested and charged with assault. Assistant Fire Chief Jason Benn said the man ran in front of the first fire truck that arrived at the scene. Provincial police say one home was fully engulfed with flames and at least two others were damaged. Damage is pegged at $1.2 million. The fire spread to two neighbouring homes. "Last night we were just as usual, sitting, watching television, and our neighbour came running over and banged on our door and said his house was on fire and to get out as quick as you could," said Dann Pearson, who lost his home in the blaze. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has been consulted and is assisting with the investigation. The cause is still undetermined.
