(Fort McMurray – Updated at 2pm) – An unattended candle in a bedroom is the suspected cause of a late afternoon fire that gutted a Timberlea home yesterday.
Shortly after 5 p.m., Fort McMurray firefighters responded to reports of an active fire at a home on Pebble Lane. When crews arrived, they found the blaze had already spread throughout the house.
Firefighters quickly began suppression efforts to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties. For safety reasons, the fire was initially fought from the outside before crews were able to move inside and fully extinguish it within about half an hour.
Several units, including pumpers and a ladder truck, along with paramedics and RCMP, responded to the scene. Crews remained there for several hours afterward to ensure hot spots were fully out and to begin clean-up operations.
No injuries were reported, as residents managed to escape before firefighters arrived. Some nearby homes were also evacuated as a precaution. A family dog escaped with its owners, while two cats were rescued by firefighters.
The structure is considered a total loss.
Fire investigators say the blaze started in an upstairs bedroom, likely from a candle burning near a bed.
“Unfortunately, candles are a leading cause of home fires, particularly in bedrooms and during the holiday season,” said Fire Marshal Nick Brenner. “If you use them, please keep them far away from anything that can burn, and always blow them out before leaving.”
This marks the fourth serious house fire in Fort McMurray within the past three weeks. Investigations into the causes of the other recent fires are still ongoing.
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