$175,000 in damage in Saturday's garage fire

There were no injuries but damages are estimated at $175,000 after a garage fire on the 300 block of Dudley Street on Saturday afternoon.

Fire Chief Jason Whiteley says when crews arrived on the scene the large 2 story detached garage was fully engulfed in flames.

He says the garage, which was used as an office and warehouse for a cleaning business was totally lost in the fire, while damage was minimized to a residence, vehicle and neighbour’s garage.

Crews also had to deal with hydro lines, hazardous chemicals and the extreme cold.

The investigation is focused on a woodstove being used for supplementary heat.

In a release, North Bay Fire and Emergency Services say preventative care and a well-designed area for burning wood can reduce the likelihood of an unintended incident.
“For example, when installing a woodstove, situate it on a non-combustible surface such as a tile floor, consult a professional about proper installation of stove pipes. If you are using a fireplace, regularly have the chimney cleaned and serviced by a professional. Keep an area of at least one metre around the stove or fireplace clear of anything that might catch fire or overheat. Know what to expect from your wood-burning unit. Stoves are designed to heat larger areas, and emit warmth from all sides. You may need to install a heat shield behind or beside the stove to prevent heat damage to any nearby walls.

Before lighting your fireplace or wood-stove, open the damper to allow for good airflow. Keep the damper open until the fire is out and the ashes are cool enough to touch. Build your fire with a small amount of dry, seasoned wood to keep the flames under control. Resist the temptation to overload your fireplace or stove. Burning too much wood at once can cause tar and creosote to build up in your chimney or stove pipes, which creates a fire hazard.

Never use highly flammable materials such as wrapping paper or gasoline in a woodstove or fireplace. These substances can create dangerous fireballs in an instant and, just like burning too much wood at once, can cause a buildup of flammable materials in your chimney or stove pipes.

Always use a screen in front of the fireplace, and never leave children unattended by a fire. Have a fire escape plan for your house and regularly review it with your family. Keep a working fire extinguisher in an accessible location. Check your smoke detectors monthly, and replace the batteries as necessary. You should also have a carbon monoxide detector in your sleeping quarters to alert you if there is a buildup of the deadly gas. Carbon monoxide buildup can occur if the area around your wood-burning unit is inadequately ventilated.”