A garage near downtown North Bay was badly damaged in a blaze which started around 7 p.m. last night.
The fire department responded to the call and quickly extinguished a fire in the detached garage at 184 Third Avenue West.
No one was injured and fire officials estimate the damage could be as high as $15,000.
"Fire crews ensured the fire did not extend to the residence," stated Fire Chief Jason Whiteley.
"Crews were also concerned that the fire had extended into the attic area of the roof of the garage and there was a heavy snow load on the roof."
Whiteley says the fire is deemed not suspicious and it is believed to have started by an electrical device.
Neighbours noticed and called in the fire as the homeowner was not home at the time.
Fire crews were on scene in just under three minutes and crews had the quickly knocked down within eight minutes.
North Bay Fire and Emergency Services want to provide the following safety tips:
- Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
- Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
- Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
- Use a light bulb with the right number of watts. There should be a sticker that indicates the right number of watts.
- Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have:
- Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
- A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
- Discolored or warm wall outlets
- A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Sparks from an outlet
