Date of Incident: 2025-02-14
Time of Call: 21:50
Address of Incident: 20 Churchill Park Rd
Responding Stations: Station #1 - Chatham
Station #2 - Chatham
Type of Incident: Structure Fire
Type of Building: Residential
Approximate Loss: 100000
Cause: Clothes Dryer
Comments on cause: On February 14th just before 10pm stations #1 and #2 – Chatham were dispatched for a reported clothes dryer fire at 20 Churchill Park Rd. Upon arrival firefighters reported heavy smoke coming from the single residential dwelling. Homeowners were out of the house but indicated two dogs were still inside on the upper level. Firefighters entered the home and confirmed a working fire in the basement. Visibility was poor with smoke level down to the floor, but the firefighters were able to locate the seat of the fire and knock it down quickly. Second due crews completed a primary search and located the two dogs. The dogs were rescued but unfortunately were not able to be resuscitated. Crews ventilated the home and found further extension into the second story. Further overhaul was completed, and the fire was confirmed extinguished and monitored with the thermal imaging camera. The homeowners were transported by EMS to CKHA for smoke inhalation. Damage to the home is estimated at approximately $100,000.00.
Comments on incident/response: A leading cause of dryer fires in homes is the lack of dryer maintenance. Residents are reminded to clean the lint screen after each load of laundry and regularly remove lint from metal ducts and exhaust vents. Regularly inspect the air exhaust to ensure it is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is operating.
Educational Messaging:Name of Person Releasing Information: Whitney Burk
Name of Contact Person For More Information: Assistant Chief Adam Walters
Phone Number: 519-436-3270
