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Structure Fire Westown Laundromat

Date of Incident: 2021-11-30

Time of Call: 17:40

Address of Incident: 1002 Dufferin Ave Wallaceburg

Responding Stations:
               Station #2 - Chatham
               Station #3 - Wallaceburg


Type of Incident: Structure Fire

Type of Building: Commercial

Approximate Loss: 175000

Cause: Accidental

Comments on cause: Station 3 – Wallaceburg (Career & Volunteer firefighters) and Station 2 – Chatham responded to Westown Laundromat on Dufferin Ave in Wallaceburg at 5:42pm for reports of smoke in the building. The business owner and customers who were in the building at the time were alerted when they saw smoke coming from the clothes dryers. When Station 3 arrived on scene they could see smoke and flames coming from the roof of the business. Firefighters quickly made entry into the building to pull ceilings and gain access to the fire, while firefighters worked on the rooftop opening vents. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the dryer section of the laundry mat including the interior wall and ceilings. Crews remained on scene until 7:30pm checking for hotspots and further extension on the roof. No Injuries Reported Damages Estimated at $175,000 A leading cause of dryer fires in homes is the lack of dryer maintenance. Homeowners are reminded to inspect and clean the lint screen after each load of laundry. The build-up of lint can lead to a fire. Regularly remove lint from metal ducts and exhaust vents. The inside of the dryer cabinet should be cleaned as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Regularly inspect the air exhaust to ensure it is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is operating.

Name of Person Releasing Information: Whitney Burk

Name of Contact Person For More Information: Whitney Burk

Phone Number: 519-436-3270