Hole in the floor of a burning building sparks brief ‘mayday’ call in London

Damage has been estimated at $125,000 following a blaze that briefly sparked a mayday alarm in London’s core on Wednesday morning.

Firefighters responded just after 8 a.m. to 260 Burwell St. north of Horton. They immediately deployed an aerial unit.

Platoon Chief Colin Shewell told CTV News smoke was pouring out of the two-storey structure.

“It was heavy smoke, but not pushing smoke like heavy fire. Crews were able to find the way to the scene of the fire and put it out quite quickly.”

Along their way through the building, crews faced an alarming obstacle.

“There was a mayday call just to give advisement of a hole in the floor to keep our crew safe. Crews made a great push through it in heavy smoke.”

No one was injured.

Shewell said it is believed the fire started in a utility room.

The incident is not considered suspicious.