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Ontario Medics Discover Filth House
(AP) NIAGARA FALLS, Ont.
What lay behind the walls of the small bungalow, almost hidden from view by overgrown bushes, was a firefighter's nightmare.
Thousands of used syringes littered the floors inside the dilapidated house.
"Had there been a fire there, our firefighters would have been crawling on their hands and knees through this debris. The chances of them getting pricked by a used syringe would have been very high," said assistant fire chief Jim Jessop.
In addition to the needles, large quantities of blood was splattered on the walls, cupboards and floors.
"The blood was splattered from individuals using heroin and crack. The place is filled with blood-borne pathogens and biohazards," Jessop said.
The Niagara Falls Fire Department and Niagara Regional Police entered the home early Thursday after paramedics were confronted by needles and filth when they were called to the home by a man in medical distress.
The hydro had been cut, and candles were found throughout the home. The floor and many pieces of furniture were peppered with cigarette burns, and the smoke alarms had been disconnected.
"Our primary concern is we have had fires in these types of buildings before, and we have exercised our authority under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act to deem the house an immediate threat to life," Jessop said.
The floor of the basement was covered in stagnant water and the stairwell leading to the basement was covered in green mould.
The owner of the home, a man in his 50s, remains in hospital. His condition is not known.
(Niagara Falls Review)
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
What lay behind the walls of the small bungalow, almost hidden from view by overgrown bushes, was a firefighter's nightmare.
Thousands of used syringes littered the floors inside the dilapidated house.
"Had there been a fire there, our firefighters would have been crawling on their hands and knees through this debris. The chances of them getting pricked by a used syringe would have been very high," said assistant fire chief Jim Jessop.
In addition to the needles, large quantities of blood was splattered on the walls, cupboards and floors.
"The blood was splattered from individuals using heroin and crack. The place is filled with blood-borne pathogens and biohazards," Jessop said.
The Niagara Falls Fire Department and Niagara Regional Police entered the home early Thursday after paramedics were confronted by needles and filth when they were called to the home by a man in medical distress.
The hydro had been cut, and candles were found throughout the home. The floor and many pieces of furniture were peppered with cigarette burns, and the smoke alarms had been disconnected.
"Our primary concern is we have had fires in these types of buildings before, and we have exercised our authority under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act to deem the house an immediate threat to life," Jessop said.
The floor of the basement was covered in stagnant water and the stairwell leading to the basement was covered in green mould.
The owner of the home, a man in his 50s, remains in hospital. His condition is not known.
(Niagara Falls Review)
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Muriel on
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Thank goodness there wasn't a fire or whatever in this toxic house....what will happen to the house...can it be burned down for safty sake?
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Permalink Reply by Roy Walker on
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I was a former member, prior to my retiremment, of M. F. S. I. A.. Through this orginization I met several members of the Niagra Fire Service and know it to be a highly respectable orginization. Let me just say I am glad all the brothers were able to miss this dangerous encounter, though I'm certain we all face many more of the same scenarios. LETS ALL REMAIN VIGILANT AND SAFE.
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Permalink Reply by wayne frary on
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there is only one way to sort out that house. Burn it to the ground. Filthy animals.
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Drug addicts are very selfish ppl..one dirty needle can cause havoc and worry to the innocent person that got stuck with it...and their family and friends have the worry their love one may be infected with HIV or whatever..
The stench of the house must have been unbearable...
Smoke alarms disconnected,thousands of syringes just left wherever...the medics,firefighters,police and whomever risked their lives to help this man..good thing I am not a medic etc..not sure I would have helped..(i know they have too)
Roy your comment re:facing this scenario again really opened my eyes...I had never thought about a toxic house before and the dangers all the rescue workers deal with..it isn't just heart attacks and burning buildings..I can't get over thousands of needles...and just dropped wherever ...
I agree Wayne burn the place down...
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