Unattended candle cause of weekend fire
A weekend fire illustrates why burning candles should not be left unattended.
A call came in around 6:40am on Jan. 14 to both Fergus and Elora firefighters regarding a possible structure fire on York Street, between Clarke and Bridge Streets, in Elora.
Centre Wellington Fire and Rescue District Chief Tom Mulvey explained that “upon arrival they discovered a candle that had been left unattended in a bathroom, the candle ignited a wooden decorative box that was hung on the wall.
“The flames were drawn into a cold air return duct and the heat from the flames melted a plastic water line and burst so that the water extinguished the fire.”
Mulvey noted seven vehicles and 32 firefighters were on the scene.
“Damage was limited to the washroom and the home owners were allowed back into the home.”
Mulvey added, “It was very fortunate that this did not turn out to be a lot worse and Centre Wellington Fire and Rescue cannot stress enough how important it is to not leave a burning candle unattended.”
Mulvey also reminds residents to make sure all smoke alarms are working and to test them on a regular basis.
