Calgary, AB,
26
March
2013
|
15:51
America/Denver
Calgary Fire Department Determines Discarded Smoking Materials is Probable Cause in Two Fatal Fires
The Calgary Fire Department Investigations Unit has determined the probable cause of two residential fires in January and February 2013 to be the result of improperly discarded smoking materials. The two residential fires, which were located in the communities of Bowness and Varsity, resulted in the deaths of two adult females.
“In early 2013 we responded to two residential fires. After the investigation was completed, it was determined that improperly discarded cigarettes were the probable cause,” said Calgary Fire Department Public Information Officer Carol Henke. “We send our thoughts and condolences to the families and friends of the two women. We also want to take a moment to remind citizens about how to safely dispose of smoking materials, because simple preventative measures can make a difference.”
On January 24, 2013, the Calgary Fire Department responded to a house fire on Bowness Road N.W. An unconscious woman was discovered in the basement of a single story duplex, on the 4300 block. Firefighters quickly removed the woman from the home and transferred her to the care of EMS. The woman died as a result of the fire. Calgary Fire Department Investigators determined the fire originated on the sofa, in the living room of the basement unit. The fire’s probable cause was improperly discarded smoking materials and was determined to be accidental.
The second home fire fatality of 2013 occurred on February 6, when the Calgary Fire Department responded to a call on Vauxhall Crescent N.W. One male escaped from the basement window but a woman in her 40s was not able to get out of the burning house and died as a result of the fire. The Calgary Fire Department Investigation Unit determined the fire originated in the basement, the probable cause was improperly discarded smoking materials and was accidental.
The Calgary Fire Department recommends reviewing the following the check-list to prevent fires caused by discarded smoking materials:
- Use large, deep and sturdy ashtrays to dispose of smoking materials. Place it away from flammable materials.
- Do not leave a lit cigarette. Always extinguish cigarettes when done.
- Completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
- Do not smoke in bed or when lying down, especially if you are drowsy, medicated or have been drinking alcohol.
- Never discard cigarettes in vegetation such as dirt, top soil, mulch, potted plants, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves, flowerbeds or other materials that could ignite.
- Keep lighters, matches and smoking materials out of reach of children.
- Never smoke and never allow anyone to smoke where medical oxygen is used.
- Never toss cigarette butts out of a vehicle window.
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Onward/Working to reduce the risk of injury, the Calgary Fire Department is committed to delivering prevention-based outreach to Calgarians and encouraging citizen responsibility and safe practices. /2020 Sustainability Direction: By 2020, The City of Calgary’s recordable injury rate is best in class for Canadian Municipalities.