Four individuals, including two adolescents and a baby, were rescued from a rapid house fire by an off-duty RCMP officer who sprang into action and assisted a distressed man in extracting his family through a basement window.
Constable Anton Lorde, after completing his shift on July 18, noticed a thick cloud of smoke while heading home, leading him to Mount Pleasant Street in the Whitney Pier neighborhood of Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Upon arrival, Lorde encountered a house engulfed in flames, with fire visible from the front, sides, and roof. Initially assuming the house was empty due to the presence of bystanders, he began clearing the street to facilitate the fire trucks’ arrival.
However, upon inquiring about the occupants from a neighbor, Lorde was informed that several individuals, including children, resided in the house.
Prompted by this information, Lorde proceeded to the backyard, where he scaled a fence and started knocking on windows in a desperate attempt to locate any trapped individuals inside the burning structure.
After a startled boy peered through the blinds at him, Lorde intensified his efforts, urging the occupants to exit the building and requesting assistance in breaking the window.
As the father of the children emerged, a chaotic scene unfolded, with the father and Lorde collaborating to rescue the family members trapped inside.
Peter Magliaro, the homeowner, recounted the harrowing experience of rushing home upon receiving a call about the fire, enduring scorching heat and flames before reuniting with his family members.
With the help of Lorde and his brother-in-law, Magliaro successfully evacuated his children, including his infant stepdaughter, from the burning house through the basement window.
Acknowledging the collective efforts that saved lives that day, Lorde emphasized the crucial role played by the community in ensuring the family’s safety amidst the chaos.
Despite being hailed as a hero by onlookers, Lorde humbly downplayed the accolades, stating that he was simply fulfilling his duty.
Following the incident, investigations by the police and fire marshal’s office were initiated to determine the cause of the fire, with Magliaro suspecting foul play and offering a reward for information leading to the apprehension of those responsible.
As the family copes with the aftermath of the fire, residing in a temporary accommodation, Magliaro remains determined to rebuild his home, emphasizing his commitment to restoring what he considers a cherished residence of 35 years.
