Garage fire promotes portable heater safety message
By BRENDAN MILLER on November 20, 2024.
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Firefighters are reminding residents to follow proper operating instructions this season when using portable space heaters following a three-alarm detached garage fire on the 900 block of Ross Street that broke out just before 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
No injuries were reported from the blaze that remains under investigation. Firefighters say exterior siding of nearby homes melted, extensive exterior damage was done to a neighbouring garage and heat of the fire damaged nearby utility poles and trees, however it did not cause any interior damage to nearby homes.
“The fire itself didn’t move into any of the interiors, crews knocked it down somewhat quickly,” said Grayson Smith, fire prevention officer.
Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Smith says it’s important to keep space heaters at least one metre away from any combustible material and make sure it’s off while away from home or sleeping.
“First and foremost, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations,” explains Smith. “They clearly do all the testing and vetting of each space heater. Secondly, anything that’s combustible in your home could be a potential fuel source for a space heater, so just keep a healthy distance, we typically recommend about one metre.”
Pet owners are encouraged to keep space heaters in a secure location so cats or dogs can’t accidentally knock them over. Smith says newer models are typically built with an automatic shut-off feature for tip-overs.
The News published a photo Tuesday of the large garage blaze that required firefighters from all three stations to eventually dose. Smith explains the garage was full and provided the fire “a very large fuel load.”
“It was just the fire load and what was available in that garage to burn,” says Smith. “Also a lot of the old garages don’t necessarily have drywall so you have all that exposed timber, a lot of the time it will go up quite quickly.”
Safety over the Holiday Season
To prevent emergencies this Holiday Season, local firefighters are reminding residents about the hazards of dry Christmas trees and unattended candles.
Fire prevention officer Grayson Smith says it’s important to prevent real Christmas trees from getting too dry by watering them regularly.
“Make sure they always have water. As they start to dry out, a mental image could be to think they are a giant can of gasoline sitting in the corner of your room.” says Smith. “They go up extremely quickly if they’re dry, especially any type of pine tree.”
Smith also says it’s important candles are lit on a stable base to prevent pets from knocking them over.
“Also, extinguish if you’re not in the room, or if you’re leaving the house or going to bed.”
Firefighters also recommend inspecting Holiday lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before hanging on trees, and ensure any outdoor lights are weatherproof and rated for the weather.
Fireplaces should always be extinguished before going to bed, and it’s recommended to use a screen to contain sparks. Annual inspections for chimney cleaning and monthly inspections of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are also recommended. If possible, it’s important to keep an accessible fire extinguisher near areas where open flames occur.
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