CANDLE CAUSES $50,000 HOUSE FIRE IN HUNTSVILLE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

HUNTSVILLE — A burning candle is being blamed for a fire that caused $50,000 damage to rural home here in Huntsville yesterday.

“With working smoke alarms and the occupants closing the doors as they evacuated the home, fire damage was limited to the room of origin and spared the home from heavy damage,” said interim fire chief Larry Brassard

Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department responded to a 911 call about a structure fire just after 3 p.m. on Concession 2/3 Road West Wednesday.

They say when crews from Station 1 in Huntsville and Station 4 in Baysville arrived they found thick smoke inside the single-storey home, which was quickly extinguished.

The occupants, who were working outside at the time of the fire, were alerted by the sound of smoke alarms coming from the home. Upon checking, they noticed smoke inside the home and flames near one of the bedrooms.

They attempted to extinguish the fire, but were forced to evacuate because of the smoke.

One male occupant was assessed by Muskoka Paramedic Services for minor smoke inhalation but did not require transportation to hospital.

Fire damage was limited to the room of origin and the rest of the home suffered smoke damage. And damage is estimated at $50,000, say fire officials.

The cause is believed to have started from a candle that was placed too close to combustibles, said Mike Vadlja, fire prevention officer.

“Instead of candles, we recommend choosing CSA approved battery-powered candles. If you must use real candles, extinguish all lit candles before leaving the room or going to sleep and keep lit candles well away from anything that can burn.”