The Chatham-Kent fire department believes a house fire near Bothwell on Wednesday was started by a wood stove.
“Home safety is at the core of everything we do, however as the colder weather approaches the risk of fire and carbon monoxide in the home naturally increases,” says Assistant Chief Chris Case. “We encourage all residents to ensure their home heating appliances and chimneys are safe by cleaning and having them inspected annually.”
The blaze near Haggerty Rd. and Johnston Rd. caused $186,000 in damage.
“We can not stress enough the importance of having working alarms," says Public Educator Whitney Burk. "Early detection is key and you may have less than two minutes to escape safely.”
Fire officials also remind you that clocks fall back one hour at 2am on Sunday and it's a good time to install new batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Working smoke alarms are required on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.