November 9, 2016 - Firefighters responded to and quickly extinguished a structural fire just after 7 am on Nov. 5 that was burning in an upstairs bedroom on Grenville Avenue.

The early warning provided by working smoke alarms alerted the residents. It has been determined that a candle in the bedroom was the cause of the fire after coming in contact with bedding.

Two occupants were sent to hospital for minor burns, and a third was able to escape without injury. One female occupant tried to extinguish the fire and was burned on her fingers and legs in the process before safely escaping. A male occupant received burns to his torso while trying to locate his cat which had already exited the building.

"Unfortunately one occupant tried to put out the fire instead of getting outside to safety," said Fire Chief John Hay.  "People need to realize that a fire can quickly get out of control and they should exit their home as soon as they are alerted by their smoke alarm to the fire emergency. Just as important as having working smoke alarms is making sure everyone in your home knows exactly what to do to if a fire occurs."

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminds residents to plan and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home.

Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:

  • Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.  
  • All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use. 
  • Determine responsibility for helping young children, older adults and anyone needing assistance
  • Choose a meeting place outside, such as tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for. 
  • Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour's home.
  • Practice your home fire escape plan. Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.

For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape:

  • Make sure you tell the superintendent or landlord you need assistance.
  • Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building's fire safety plan.

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Contact:          Anthony Stokaluk, Public Education Officer - Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, 625-2802 (office), 631-7033(cell) or astokaluk@thunderbay.ca