The RCMP is investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal house fire in Eastern Passage, N.S.
At least one neighbour told CTV Atlantic he thought he heard gunshots coming from the home and said the emergency response team showed up a short time later.
Then he noticed flames coming from the home.
"Around 11, 11:30, I heard two shots,” said neighbour Jeff Doucette.
Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency said the fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
Twenty-four firefighters responded to the scene on McKay Lane. It took them roughly five hours to extinguish the flames.
“Millions of cops, ambulance, fire trucks – everything,” said neighbour Ashley Turner.
Some homes in the area were evacuated while other residents were told to remain inside and head to their basements.
"About 45 minutes later, they came back and asked us to evacuate in case of explosion," said neighbour Dawn Young.
The house sustained significant damage and a man’s body was found inside.
No information has been released about the victim, but neighbours identify him as Billy Farrell. They say he was good-natured and friendly, but did suffer from chronic pain from a car crash in the 80s.
"It was an impaired case. The guy hit him from behind,” said longtime friend Gary Tulk. “He was making a left hand turn, and the guy pulled out of a place and just drove his car.”
They also say Farrell had some mental health issues.
"Just depressed and tired of being in pain all the time," said Doucette.
The medical examiner’s office and a demolition crew also responded to the scene Monday. The home is currently being demolished.
The investigation has been turned over to the RCMP.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Bruce Frisko.
