A family was alerted by a basement smoke alarm during a fire on St. Clair Street in Chatham on Wednesday morning.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services (CKFES) officials say firefighters from Stations #1 and #2 in Chatham were called to a house fire at 525 St. Clair Street just after 7 a.m. this morning.
Crews arrived to heavy black smoke and flames coming from the basement window, CKFES officials say.
Firefighters executed an exterior attack and then entered the house to quickly knock down the fire.
“During our CHiRP Home Alarm Checks, we often find alarms missing, expired or not working, especially in the basement,” stated Whitney Burk, CKFES public educator, in a press release.
“This morning, the fire spread rapidly and smoke consumed the entire home within minutes; the working basement smoke alarm was what alerted the family to get out.”
CKFES officials say approximately $150,000 worth of damage was caused by the blaze, which is being blamed on a dryer. About $100,000 of property was saved.
The blaze has been ruled accidental, CKFES officials say.
The risk of having a fire in your home increases this time of the year, the best and most important thing is to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, CKFES officials said.
CKFES has responded to 10 fires this month and would like to remind residents:
– Have fireplace/woodstove chimneys cleaned and inspected by a professional.
– Don’t place things that can burn too close to space/portable heaters.
– Use flameless candles or if you must use candles, don’t leave them unattended.
For more information visit www.ckfes.ca or request a CHiRP Home Alarm Check by calling 519-360-1998.
– Photo credit: Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services
