Investigations concludes for two recent home fires

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 14, 2015 4:18 PM

Summary

Fire Prevention Officers concluded their investigations into the Nicol Street and the 5th Street residential fires. In the Nicol Street fire on April 9th, it was determined that the fire started at the rear of the builidng in the exterior area of the stairs leading to the closed-in porch. Remnants of smoking materials were found in this area. The cause of the fire is undetermined however it is suspected that poorly discarded smoking materials ignited the fire which displaced 6 occupants. During the investigation it was determined that the smoke alarms were disabled or removed.

The 5th Street fire on April 11th revealed that the cause of the fire was an electrical power cord connected to a table lamp in one of the upper floor bedrooms. The smoke alarms activated and 10 people were displaced.

Link to Strategic Plan: The City of Nanaimo is committed to Public Safety.

Key Points

Smoke alarms should never be disabled or removed due to false activations. Smoke alarms save lives.
Make sure your power cords and plugs are in good condition.
Make sure any electrical cords show no signs of wear and do not kink, twist or knot. Power cords should never be placed under furniture.
For additional Fire and Life Safety Information visit fire.nanaimo.ca

Quotes

"Once again we want to remind residents to make sure they have working smoke alarms and ensure your electrical cords are in good shape. In a period of a few days we have seen 16 people displaced with no content insurance and having to start all over. "

Ennis Mond

Fire Prevention Officer

Nanaimo Fire Rescue

-30-

Contact:

Ennis Mond

Captain - Fire and Loss Prevention Division

Nanaimo Fire rescue

250-755-4563

flpd@nanaimo.ca

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