Home destroyed as huge fire erupts next to Blackwood’s main road, triggering smoke alert

A huge fire has claimed a Blackwood house after the homeowner dashed across the road to buy a Coke – and had no idea it was alight.

A homeowner’s house has been destroyed in an accidental fire that started while they were grabbing a “can of Coke” from the pub opposite.

Dozens of firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the huge blaze, which quickly spread to nearby trees at a property at Blackwood on corner of Main Rd and Penno Pde.

They managed to prevent the fire spreading to neighbouring shops and homes.

The homeowner was at the Belair Hotel – adjacent to his home – when emergency services received several calls from the public that his home was on fire.

CFS spokesperson Declan Dwyer said emergency services received a call from the Belair Hotel manager, followed by “a heap of triple-0 calls” from motorists passing through Main Rd.

SA Police, firefighters and emergency services on the scene of the house fire on Main Rd, Blackwood. Picture NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

The homeowner had briefly left his home to go across the pub for a “can of Coke” and had no idea his home was on fire.

Mr Dwyer said when CFS crews arrived at the property around 10.25am, they “found heavy smoke and fire coming out of basically every window and out of the roof”.

“The owner and sole occupier was across the road, which allowed us to concentrate on trying to put out the fire,” Mr Dwyer said.

Mr Dwyer described the blaze as a “fully-involved house fire” that destroyed 90 per cent of the home and caused about $350,000 of damage.

“It won’t be habitable again,” he said. “We conducted a defensive attack because it was too dangerous to go inside, but fortunately it was a small property and we were able to attack it simultaneously.”

Mr Dwyer said it took five fire trucks and 21 firefighters to completely extinguish the property in about 25 minutes.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but Mr Dwyer said it appears to be accidental.

“At this stage the damage is so heavy, it’s a bit hard to determine exactly, but I’ve got the investigators here,” Mr Dwyer said.

“We’ve determined a rough point of origin so we’re going to hone in on that, to establish the exact cause.”

The Blackwood home was destroyed by the blaze. Picture NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

House fire at Blackwood. Picture: Supplied

House fire at Blackwood. Picture: Supplied

There are no reported injuries. Burning trees have caused a large smoke plume in the area with SAPOL closing Main Rd, between Laffers Rd and Miller Tce.

It has since been reopened.

There was a large amount of smoke in the local area close to the Belair Hotel and locals were advised that while the fire had been controlled, they should stay indoors.

“The incident is producing large amounts of smoke in the local area, close to the Belair Hotel and local residents are being advised to take precaution,” a CFS spokesman said.

“It is recommended that those in close proximity to the affected area remain indoors where possible with windows and doors closed.”