Cement plant fire may have been caused by attempt to thaw frozen pipes

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire shortly after 3 p.m. on Stephenson Road 8 East in Port Sydney.

Upon arrival, crews from Station 3 encountered smoke in the roof area of the two storey structure. An Aerial and a Pumper were brought in from Huntsville Station 1 to assist.

The occupants noticed smoke inside the building coming from the ceiling of the second storey. All occupants were able to safely exit the building. Crews were able to access the fire from the exterior of the building and contained the fire to the area of origin.

The fire is believed to have started when a frozen water line was being thawed using a blow torch on the exterior of the building. Damage is estimated at $30,000.

The fire department does not recommend using a blow torch or other open flame device to thaw frozen pipes. Instead, apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. If you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

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