CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Fire Department is warning people to be cautious when discarding cigarettes after the back porch of a local home caught fire on Friday.
Captain John Irwin told Seaway News four fire trucks and ten firefighters were called to the Ontario Street blaze at 2 p.m.
The fire was quickly doused.
Irwin says it started after a tossed cigarette became wedged between the house and the back porch.
“The exterior of the two-storey residence suffered minor damage, but another 30 minutes later and it could’ve been a major catastrophe, because of the high winds,” he said.
There were no injuries.
Cornwall Fire Chief created a task force to deal with smoking-related fires this April, in partnership with EOHU.
“In my short time here, I’ve seen the flagrant amount of careless smoking fires. Sixteen per cent above the provincial average,” said Voisine at the launch event.
The task force also has a free Cornwall helpline for smoking and home fire safety tips or to report careless smokers who pose a high-risk of danger to themselves and others with habits like smoking in bed: (613) 930-7408.
Irwin added: “It’s going to take time for people to get the message – many don’t understand until it’s their home and belongings. There has been some progress with the hotline. I’ve answered a few calls from people who had concerns.”
