Unattended candle suspected cause of Timberlea house fire

An unattended candle in a bedroom is the suspected cause of a late afternoon fire that gutted a Timberlea home yesterday

Shortly after 5 p.m., Fort McMurray firefighters responded to a report of an active fire at a home on Pebble Lane. The first crews on the scene reported that the fire had spread throughout the home.

Firefighters quickly began suppression efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties. For firefighter safety and to protect neighbouring homes, the fire was initially fought in a defensive approach from the outside. Within a half hour, crews were able to enter the building and extinguish it.

Several units, including pumpers and a ladder truck, along with paramedics and RCMP, responded. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to conduct clean-up operations.

No injuries were reported. Residents escaped before fire crews arrived. Some nearby homes were also evacuated as a precaution. A pet dog escaped with residents and two cats were rescued by firefighters.

The structure is considered a complete loss.

Fire investigators determined the fire started in an upstairs bedroom, likely from burning a candle near a bed.

“Unfortunately, candles are a leading cause of home fires, particularly in bedrooms and during the holiday season,” said Fire Marshal Nick Brenner. “If you use them, please keep them far away from anything that can burn, and always blow them out before leaving.”

This was the fourth serious house fire within a three-week period in Fort McMurray. Investigations on causes of those fires are continuing. 

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