Firefighters from Minto's Clifford station responded to a garage fire Sunday just before 10 p.m.
The fire was reported to be in the area of Nelson Street and Ann Street, on the southeast side of the community. Minto Fire says in a release that heavy smoke and flames were coming out of the roof of the structure upon their arrival. All occupants were out of the building and no injuries were reported. Palmerston and Harriston stations were dispatched to the incident, and careless smoking has been determined as the cause. No damage estimate has been made yet.
Minto Fire wishes to remind residents about the dangers of careless smoking.
Here are some tips offered by Minto Fire to ensure damage like this isn't caused by careless smoking:
-If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes, and always smoke outside. -Never smoke in bed or when drowsy, intoxicated or medicated. -Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches and other smoking materials up high out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet. -Make sure lighters have child-resistant safety features. -Teach young children that lighters and matches are not toys, and not to touch them. -Never allow anyone to smoke if there is medical oxygen being used. -Use a deep, sturdy ashtray. Place cigarettes away from anything that can burn. -Don't let ashtrays become so full that hot ashes might spill over the side. -Soak butts and ashes with water before throwing them in the garbage.