Low-grade power bar deemed cause of west side house fire

LETHBRIDGE – The investigation into a fire that gutted a home along Lafayette Blvd. West Saturday night, Sept. 15, has concluded the fire was accidental.

Fire investigators who examined the scene that night, and again on Monday and Tuesday, determined the cause of the blaze was an electrical failure of a low-grade power bar. They also totalled the damage estimate at approximately $300,000.

Speaking with Lethbridge News NOW, Fire Investigator Adam Saturley also noted that one person suffered burns to their extremities in the fire, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. The family living in the home had all managed to escape to safety before fire crews arrived on scene.

As for blasts heard that night by neighbours, Saturley explained that it was several small spray cans and a few propane tanks and bottles exploding in the garage.