Smoking materials cause second deck fire this week

“We have had two close calls in five days – that’s a concern” – Acting Fire Chief

For the second time this week, an improperly extinguished cigarette is being blamed for an early morning fire in Fort McMurray.

Shortly after 1 a.m. today, fire crews were called out to an apartment complex on Powder Drive after receiving a 911 call of a fire on a balcony.

Several units, including two pumpers, responded and quickly extinguished the fire. Damage was contained to the balcony and exterior wall of the apartment building. The fire did not spread into the building.

Investigators determined the fire was caused by a cigarette butt improperly extinguished in a plastic container being used as an ashtray.

Smoking materials are a leading cause of fires

This is the second fire caused by smoking materials in less than a week in Fort McMurray.

Just after midnight July 19, firefighters responded to a Jackpine Way mobile home and found a resident working to put a fire out on his deck. The fire was quickly extinguished. Fire investigators say that fire started in a plant pot and was caused by improperly extinguished smoking materials.

“We have had two close calls in five days – that’s a concern. Thanks to working smoke alarms and attentive neighbours, we were able to respond quickly—limiting damage and potentially saving lives,” said Acting Fire Chief Rob Van Hecke.

• Smokers are reminded to not discard butts in plant pots. Potting soil, peat moss or other types of soil may smolder for hours or even days before a wind gust ignites a serious fire.
• Smoking materials must be completely extinguished and disposed of in a designated ashtray, or a sturdy metal container filled with sand or water, preferably with a lid.
• Never throw butts out of your vehicle window, on the ground, in vegetation, or near flammable materials.