AMHERST – Two Amherst homes were extensively damaged by fire on Monday night.
Amherst firefighters arrived on the scene at 8 and 10 Edgewood Avenue just before 9 p.m. to find the homes and a van on fire.
Fire department spokesperson Capt. John Matthews said the fire started in the back of the van and spread to both houses.
“The van was between the houses and because of their close proximity both houses caught fire,” Matthews said.
Matthews said both homes were uninhabitable and a team from the Canadian Red Cross was on hand to assist the two families.
“Everyone is safe and even two cats were rescued,” Matthews said.
There were no injuries, although a firefighter was taken to hospital after experiencing heat stress.
The temperature in Amherst, with the humidex, was above 30 C for most of Monday.