The improper disposal of hot ashes from a fire pit was the cause of two house fires in Saskatoon.
Firefighters were initially called to a home in the 100 block of Saguenay Drive on Sunday afternoon for a report of a garage fire.
Flame and smoke were spotted between two homes when crews arrived, the Saskatoon Fire Department said in a release.
The fire was quickly knocked down, officials said, but the fire had extended into an attic.
This caused a challenge for crews battling the fire and a second alarm was sounded for more firefighters to help put it out.
A fire investigator said hot ashes from a fire pit were improperly disposed into a garbage dumpster between the two houses.
Damage to one house is estimated at $400,000, and $100,000 to the neighbouring home.