A faulty clothes dryer sparked a basement fire Wednesday morning at a two-storey home on Forest Street in Chatham, prompting a quick response from local fire crews.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue responded to the call at approximately 10:31 a.m., with crews from Stations 1 and 2 arriving to find smoke coming from the basement. All residents had safely evacuated before firefighters arrived.
Firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack and conducted a primary search of the home. The fire was brought under control and declared out by 10:42 a.m. Crews remained on scene to check for hot spots using thermal imaging equipment and to ventilate the home.
One person was assessed for smoke inhalation but did not require hospital transport. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, originating from the dryer. Damages are estimated at $5,000.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue is reminding residents to regularly inspect and maintain household appliances and ensure their homes are equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
For more information or to request a free CHiRP Home Alarm check, visit ckfire.ca.
