The improper disposal of a cigarette led to a house fire in Ridgetown on Thursday.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services officials firefighters responded rapidly to a blaze at 19 Ebenezer Street, just after 8 p.m.
Fire officials say crews arrived on scene to find the back of the residences fulling engulfed in flames and firefighter’s from the Ridgetown Station quickly knocked down the fire and contained it from spreading.
Whitney Burk, public educator, said the fire started from the improper disposal of a cigarette inside the home.
“Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the home,” she said in a press release.
“Luckily yesterday, everyone got out safely.”
The estimated damage is $150,000.
Fire officials are reminding residents not to walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials.
Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they completely out before you put them in the trash, fire officials say.
– Photo credit: Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services
