12/03/2012 - At 1649 hours a person passing by called 9-1-1 to report a house fire at 49 Elm Street in Halifax. The Halifax Fire Department responded and found a fire in a one and a half story wood framed dwelling. A working fire was requested bringing mutual aid to the scene and to the Halifax Fire Department Headquarters for coverage. Companies made an interior attack and were making headway on the fire that was found to be in a front bedroom of the house. Crews backed out on the orders of Halifax Fire Chief William C. Carrico II after an explosion was heard coming from the house. A defensive attack was staged with several hand lines. The Hanson engine company that was covering was moved up to the scene and another engine was brought in for station coverage. Companies opened up the roof and once the heavy fire was knocked down again, the companies returned to overhaul and knock down hidden pockets of fire. The State Fire Marshal's office was requested to the scene to investigate the fire. The area has been plagued with a string of suspicious fires in recent weeks. The fire was determined to be started by a space heater that was too close to combustible materials. No injuries were reported. Two residents of the house were not home at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced residents. The house was a total loss.
