Fire caused by candle prompts reminders about fire safety

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department responded to a reported fire on Florence St. West this morning around 5:30am.

Upon arrival, fire crews from Huntsville Station One encountered light smoke in the basement of the home. A fire had started beside a bed and was extinguished by an occupant in the home. Three occupants in the home were checked and released by Muskoka Paramedic Services. Fire crews cleared the smoke and checked to make sure the fire was completely extinguished.

An investigation revealed that the fire started from a lit candle which had ignited the bedding and burnt into the mattress. Damage to the contents is estimated at $2000.

We want to remind everyone that they need to do everything they can to prevent fires from starting. This fire was totally preventable. Instead of candles, we recommend choosing CSA approved battery-powered candles.
Fire Chief Stephen Hernen

There are some very simple things you can do to prevent candle fires:

• Always stay in the room where candles are being used.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or when going to sleep.
• Ensure candles are not used in any bedrooms.
• Keep lit candles well away from anything that can burn.
• Keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children and pets.
• Use sturdy candleholders that won’t tip or burn. Holders with glass shades or chimneys are safest.
• Remember: WHEN YOU GO OUT, BLOW OUT!

You may have less than a minute to escape a fire in your home. Only working smoke alarms will give you the early warning your family needs to safely escape. The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department urges you to take responsibility for the fire safety of your family:

• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuelburning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every story of your home according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms wear out over time. Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Practice a home escape plan with everyone in your home so everyone knows exactly what to do if the smoke or carbon monoxide alarms sound in an emergency.

For more information on candles and holiday fire safety, visit www.oafc.on.ca/holiday-fire-safety

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