Halifax police have charged a youth with arson and possession of explosive devices following a fire at a Spryfield home that firefighters worried contained potentially explosive chemicals.

The housefire on McIntosh Street elicited a large response shortly after 10 a.m. Monday. The street was closed to traffic and residents were barred from venturing near a home at the end of the street.

The area was jammed with dozens of vehicles belonging to police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

Halifax Regional Police said in a news release Tuesday that officers had became concerned for the public's safety after discovering multiple explosive devices on the property.

They said a male youth now faces arson-related charges, one count of mischief and one count of possession of explosive devices. He was scheduled to appear in Halifax youth court Tuesday.

Police would not disclose his age or describe the nature of the explosives.

The home suffered extensive damage. (Dave Laughlin/CBC)

Dave Meldrum, deputy chief with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, said on Monday that officials were told there were aluminum products and sulphur dust in the home.

"Any time that unknown chemicals are involved, then we see police, we see EHS and we see fire turn out in full," he said. "Our tactical squad and hazmat [hazardous materials] team have determined that the nature of the chemicals and the quantities are minor and there is no danger to the public or to our firefighters."

No one was hurt in the fire, but the main floor of the two-storey home was gutted.

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