House fires big problem in Calgary over last month
Posted Jun 4, 2018 5:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It seems like house fires have been on the rise this year since the snow melted.
The Calgary Fire Department confirms since May 6 there have been 13 fires throughout the city.
Carol Henke with the CFD said this is a rather high number and even though many of the fires are still being investigated, several started outside homes, and that usually means one thing.
“We do know that majority of fires that do start on the outside of homes are due to the improper disposal of smoking materials,” said Henke. “We really have some common causes for outdoor fires. The number one cause is cigarette butts being put places that they can start fires.”
Henke explained the best way to dispose of cigarettes is by putting them into a metal ashtray full of water or sand.
She added she is relieved things didn’t end worse.
“We are just very very thankful and fortunate that there haven’t been any serious injuries, I know many people have lost their homes, and that is very tragic, but even more tragic is when people lose their lives as a result.”
