Steven Hill
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A candle is being blamed for a fire in a Brackendale bedroom Jan. 25.
Firefighter Bob Fulton said crews were called to a structure fire at 11:21 p.m. to respond to report of a basement bedroom on fire on Hope Road.
"It was a bit tricky because the fire was in a basement bedroom with no windows," said Fulton. "Firefighters had to make their way through the house and down the stairs in a lot of smoke to get to the fire."
Fulton deemed the fire "accidental", and said it had been caused when the lone occupant of the house had apparently left a candle burning unattended in the downstairs room, and it toppled over setting blankets and bedding on fire.
About 25 firefighters responded to the general alarm blaze, which took two and a half hours to extinguish.
"The fire was luckily contained to the basement room," said Fulton. "The rest of the house did sustain some heat and smoke damage."
Fulton said people should be careful when using candles around the home. "You should never leave a candle burning unattended in a room," he reminded.
Arsonist strikes charity box
RCMP are seeking information regarding the person(s) who torched a charitable clothing box for disabled persons at the local Canadian Tire.
Cpl. Dave Ritchie of the local detachment said police were called to the clothing drop box at 9:08 p.m. on Jan. 30.
Fire crews were also called to the scene.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that the inside of the steel box had been set on fire, completely ruining clothing meant to be donated to disabled persons in need.
Anyone with information asked to contact the RCMP.
