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Damage set at $175,000 in weekend fire

Woodstove in the garage used for supplementary heat suspected cause

Damage to the second garage fire in a week has caused $175,000 damage but fortunately no injuries according to Fire Chief Jason Whiteley.

See: Battery charging cause of New Year's Eve Circle Lake garage fire

The fire at 355 Dudley St. started at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, where firefighters found a large two-story detached garage fully engulfed in flames.

"Crews had to contend with multiple exposures (residence, vehicle, hydro lines, fencing, neighbour’s garage), hazardous chemicals stored inside the garage and extreme cold conditions which caused slippery conditions in tight areas where the water was freezing," said Whiteley. "Fire crews immediately focused on keeping the fire from spreading to the residence and a secondary fire attack was conducted from Hutcheson Ave to keep the fire from spreading to the neighbour’s garage."

See: UPDATE: Owner responds Garage Fire on Dudley (Photos)

The burning garage was used as an office and warehouse for a local cleaning business, Crystal Clean Carpet Cleaning owned by John Bitis. Damage was minimized to the home, vehicle and the neighbour’s garage, however, the detached garage was totally lost in the fire. At this time the Fire Service is focusing its investigation on the use and install of a woodstove in the garage used for supplementary heat.

The daughter, Jenna Bitis, daughter of the garage owner wrote on BayToday, "This was our garage. It is completely gone, but it could've been much worse. We were able to return to our house last night. Everyone is ok, just in shock. It happened so quickly that it was really unbelievable."

His daughter Vicki writes, "My father is a great and very hard working man. He always puts others first and makes sure their needs are met. Seeing his shock of losing his own business left me heartbroken."

A Gofundme page has been set up. Click here to support Help Rebuild Dad's Business organized by Vicki Bitis
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gofundme.com%2Fhelp-rebuild-dads-business&h=ATMXoulfaauSAxRjWIvruYs2mha

Firefighters also had to battle a shed fire in Ferris in November caused by a wood stove.

See: Firefighters contain fire in Ferris

North Bay Fire and Emergency Services wants to reinforce that preventative care and a well-designed area for burning wood can reduce the likelihood of an unintended incident advises the Chief.

"For example, when installing a woodstove, situate it on a non-combustible surface such as a tile floor, consult a professional about proper installation of stove pipes. If you are using a fireplace, regularly have the chimney cleaned and serviced by a professional. Keep an area of at least one metre around the stove or fireplace clear of anything that might catch fire or overheat. Know what to expect from your wood-burning unit. Stoves are designed to heat larger areas, and emit warmth from all sides. You may need to install a heat shield behind or beside the stove to prevent heat damage to any nearby walls.

Here are some other tips: 

  • Before lighting your fireplace or wood-stove, open the damper to allow for good airflow. Keep the damper open until the fire is out and the ashes are cool enough to touch.
  • Build your fire with a small amount of dry, seasoned wood to keep the flames under control.
  • Resist the temptation to overload your fireplace or stove. Burning too much wood at once can cause tar and creosote to build up in your chimney or stove pipes, which creates a fire hazard.
  • Never use highly flammable materials such as wrapping paper or gasoline in a woodstove or fireplace. These substances can create dangerous fireballs in an instant and, just like burning too much wood at once, can cause a buildup of flammable materials in your chimney or stove pipes.
  • Always use a screen in front of the fireplace, and never leave children unattended by a fire.
  • Have a fire escape plan for your house and regularly review it with your family. 
  • Keep a working fire extinguisher in an accessible location.
  • Check your smoke detectors monthly, and replace the batteries as necessary. You should also have a carbon monoxide detector in your sleeping quarters to alert you if there is a buildup of the deadly gas. Carbon monoxide buildup can occur if the area around your wood-burning unit is inadequately ventilated.

Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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