Chatham-Kent fire officials say a blaze in Erieau is a serious reminder of the value of working smoke alarms and having an escape plan as fire prevention week begins.
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Saturday, just before 2 am, an Erieau resident woke to find his Nichols Avenue home filled with smoke and smoke alarms sounding, said Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue (CKFR) in a media release Tuesday.
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There were no injuries and damage is estimated at more than $1 million, officials say.
Erieau station No. 14 was dispatched after a report of smoking coming from the residence, but firefighters reported the single family home was fully involved when they arrived, said CKFR. A neighboring home also was impacted.
Firefighters from station No. 18 Blenheim and station No. 16 Raleigh South also were dispatched to the fire. The command unit also was called in to provide air and rehabilitation support.
“Crews encountered strong winds for the duration of the incident,” CKFR said. “Unfortunately, the home is a complete loss and there was significant damage to the neighboring home.”
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Working smoke alarms alerted the resident and the neighboring home was vacant at the time of the incident, CKFR said.
Entering fire prevention week, Fire Chief Chris Case said, “We are reminded that this week’s fire was a tragedy for the homeowners, but one that can be recovered from.
“As we found in Chatham only a few weeks ago, some tragedies cannot be mended as easily,” the chief said, referring to a fatal fire on St. George Street in Chatham on Sept. 19.
The CKFR and partners will be delivering a safety message during “chirp day” on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Firefighters from all nineteen fire stations, along with community partners will be knocking on doors, asking to come into homes to complete home safety checks, CKFR said.
“A chirp home safety check is free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes,” said public information officer, Whitney Burk. “Firefighters provide residents with safety education for their home, while checking, testing alarms and installing new smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when needed.”
A chirp home safety check can be requested by going online to www.ckfire.ca or calling 519-360-1998.
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