Causes of two local fires ‘undetermined’

Apr 20, 2022 | 12:02 PM

A local fire investigator is reiterating the importance of the proper disposal of smoking materials in dry, windy conditions, following two house fires in Red Deer this month.

Barry Wulff, Fire Safety Codes Officer, says a house fire in the Kentwood neighbourhood April 9, took place on the rear deck, but the cause remains undetermined.

“However, we cannot rule out the improper disposal of smoking materials,” says Wulff.

On April 9 at roughly 2:30 p.m., firefighters with Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) were called to a fire on Keith Close by an adult resident in the home at the time.

Curtis Schaefer, Assistant Deputy Chief, confirmed the fire was mainly in the back of the home but spread quickly to the attic, due predominantly to the high winds that day.

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“The home is a loss, a complete write-off,” said Schaefer.

Then, just after 3:30 p.m. that same day, RDES was called to respond to another house fire in Deer Park, on Duston Street.

It’s believed one adult resident was in the home when they phoned 9-1-1.

“It started in the attached garage and we were unable to find the ignition source,” explains Wulff. “But we again, cannot rule out the improper disposal of smoking materials. There were other things in the attached garage that are hard to rule out as well, like paints and solvents and that sort of thing.”

Officials say both fires were able to be contained and controlled, without any injuries to residents or firefighters, and no damage to neighbouring properties.

RDES responded to five separate fires on April 9.

by Sheldon Spackman

Causes of two local fires ‘undetermined’

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