WATCH: A large residential fire destroyed several homes in Fort McMurray’s Abasand Heights neighbourhood on Sunday April 12. Fletcher Kent reports.
EDMONTON — Fire investigators say an improperly discarded cigarette is to blame for a massive blaze that destroyed four homes and damaged several others in Fort McMurray Monday.
Investigators said Wednesday they had “sufficient evidence to conclusively determine that the fire started as a result of a discarded cigarette.”
“With the warmer weather we’re experiencing, paired with the dry conditions – we’re urging people to take precaution when discarding their cigarettes – whether driving on the highway, or discarding in an outdoor ashtray – please ensure that it’s completely out,” said Regional Fire Chief Darby Allen.
Fire crews were called just before 1 a.m. Monday to Roy Lane in Abasand Heights, a neighbourhood in the northern Alberta community.
Firefighters arrived to find two homes engulfed in fire, with flames spreading to the roof of a third home. In total, 27 firefighters worked through the night and into the morning to try and contain the fire.
Extensive damage
Four houses were destroyed, four more left with superficial damage, and several others homes were affected by the radiant heat.
There were also five garages involved, three of which were destroyed. Three vehicles and a fifth-wheel also experienced significant damage.
Police carried out an evacuation of several homes. No one was injured.
Fire crews said it could have been much worse.
“Significant winds were a major contributor to last night’s fire spread in Abasand,” said Allen.
Some residents have returned home, but many others have no home left to return to.
Community support
A GoFundMe campaign to support affected residents has been set up by local morning radio host Pete Potipcoe at 99.3 Country.
Take a look at the dramatic photos from the scene of the fire in the gallery below.
*Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Monday, April 13, 2015. It was updated at 3:32 p.m. Wednesday to include the cause of the fire.
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