SASKATOON — Investigators identified the use of multiple extension cords caused the fire in a strip mall at 25th Street and 2nd Avenue last Saturday after safely entering and conduct a scene inspection of the business establishment.
The fire, which was deemed accidental in nature, started at the front of the business after an extension cord that was plugged into a timer that was being served by another extension cord was the cause and source of the blaze. The cord caught fire and the flames crawled up the wall, spreading to the ceiling and the roof components of the establishment.
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters as a result of this fire, with an estimated damage at $500,000. The property has been turned over to the property owner's agent who will be responsible for securing the structure.
The Saskatoon Fire Department is reminding residents to educate themselves and be cautious in using extension cords, which should never be used as a permanent means of wiring that forms a part of the main electrical installation of a structure.
Extension cords are used as a temporary source of electricity and the safest way is to have all small and large appliances plugged directly into an outlet. Interior extension cords should not be plugged in for long periods of time and must be unplugged so it won't overheat internally or overload an electrical circuit and cause a fire.
Exterior extension cords, which are used for vehicles during the cold months, must be heavily insulated for the cold weather.
As a safety measure, always check the condition of your extension cords to ensure they are not frayed, damaged, or showing signs of aging. Replace extension cords as needed.
In another incident, the SFD also responded to a fence that was on fire in the 1600 block of Cairns Avenue early Monday morning. SFD’s communications department received the report at 5:30 a.m. and dispatched one fire engine.
Responding crews identified a fence and a barbecue area that was on fire. The natural gas serving the barbecue was shut off and the fire was extinguished.
A Fire Investigator was called to conduct a scene examination to determine the cause and origin of the fire. The investigator concluded the barbecue grill was installed too close to combustible material.
Barbecue had been used and shut off at 8 p.m. the previous night with a temperature reaching 700 degrees. A wood counter next to the barbecue smouldered during the night and caught the fence on fire. Heat emitted from the barbecue is the source.
No person(s) or firefighter(s) were injured as a result of this fire, which was believed to be accidental that cost $5,000 in estimated damages.
