BARREL FIRE SPREADS TO 2 SHEDS; $30,000 DAMAGE IN PORT SYDNEY

PORT SYDENY — Embers from a barrel fire ignited combustibles next to shed, which caught fire — then spread to a second shed — causing $30,000 damage here Sunday evening.

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department responded to a report of the sheds on fire on Hughes Road in Port Sydney shortly before 6 p.m., May 12.

Crews were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the home, which did suffer some damage from radiant heat, sayd .

Fire Prevention Officer Mike Vadlja said the homeowner was burning materials in a “burn barrel” when it was noticed the shed had caught fire.

Vadlja said it is suspected that burning embers from the barrel caused combustibles beside the shed to ignite. The fire then spread to the second shed.

Damages is estimated at $30,000. There were no injuries.

Fire spread from a barrel to a pair of sheds and a tree behind – and a nearby home suffered heat damage – Sunday evening in Port Sydney.

Vadlja said the fire department reminds residents of the provisions in the open-air burning by-law, which ensures open air burning is conducted safely.

Key highlights of the by-law include:

  • NO DAYTIME BURNING.
  • Burning may be conducted between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
  • No yard waste may be burned. Yard waste includes, but is not limited to, grass, leaves, hedge trimmings, spent flowers, garden plants, weeds, pine needles hay, straw and sawdust
  • Only clean, dry wood may be burned
  • Open air burning must be supervised by a competent adult at all times
  • A hose or other form of fire extinguishing method must be immediately available when conducting any type of open air burning
  • Smoke may not obscure roads or buildings
  • Sparks must not travel to adjacent buildings
  • Clearly defined minimum distances to combustibles and structures must be maintained
  • Fire must be completely extinguished prior to burn site being vacated
  • Every owner shall ensure that all open air burning on their land complies with the by-law. Failure to comply may result in fines plus costs incurred.

For more information please visit www.huntsville.ca or www.lakeofbays.on.ca .

Or contact Vadlja at 705-789-5201 ext. 3604 or fire.inspector@huntsville.ca