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Lethbridge mobile home fire started outside, say Fire Investigators

Apr 10, 2017 | 12:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE –  As Fire Investigators combed through the rubble of what’s left of a double-wide trailer at the Bridge Villa Trailer Park, one thing they believe, is that the fire that destroyed the home Saturday afternoon (April 8), began outside.
 
Fire Investigator Marc Royer initially said they wet yet determine whether it could have started because of an outdoor propane fire/barbeque, cigarette, or something else.
 
“The fire quickly spread into the attic area, which caused the entire mobile home to be involved.”
 
One firefighter who was on the scene says the family didn’t know anything was wrong, until the windows began breaking. It was neighbours who called 911 when they saw flames.
 
“Once a fire gets into an attic of any structure, it’s very difficult to stop,” explains Royer. “There are no walls to separate the attic, and it’s all dry wood. It’s open, it’s got lots of oxygen, so it moves very quickly. It’s a very difficult fire for firefighters to fight because they don’t have the ability to see the fire.”
 
 A total of 18 firefighters from four stations responded, and by  the time crews arrived, the home was fully involved, and an aerial unit had to be brought in.
 
Royer says the blaze was so intense their main concern was saving the trailers on either side.
 
“The heat from the initial fire was so hot, it caught the wood on the other second trailer on fire – and it was 25 feet away.”
 
He adds that only a change in wind direction saved the trailers on either side.
 
Damage to the mobile home is estimated to be at least $100,000, not including any possessions the family had inside.
 
Insurance Investigator Max Well was also on scene, assessing and getting the power turned back on in the home next door, so an air scrubber could be brought in, and the elderly couple who live inside, could be home in the next few days.
 
“This one here, it could be anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 just to get it back to normal and get them (the couple) living in it again.”
 
There were no injuries, and fire investigators remind residents that  propane cylinders should not be stored inside a building. They should be stored outside in a shady protected area, a minimum of one meter from any combustible material.