Brett Thoms
Luskville Feb. 28, 2021
Fires claimed two homes in Luskville recently.
One fire occurred at a home at 319 Cregheur Rd. on Feb. 28 in the afternoon.
Though the exact cause of the fire is unknown it is suspected to have been caused by . . .
a dryer catching fire, according to Municipality of Pontiac fire chief Kevin Mansey.
The family was unharmed, but their dog perished in the fire. The house sustained heavy fire and smoke damage, and has been deemed inhabitable.
The family is currently staying with friends and is receiving help from the Red Cross and the Quyon Lions and Lionettes.
“You know I’ve been to more house fires [caused by] dishwashers and clothes dryers than I’d care to admit.”, said Mansey. “Don’t leave appliances running when you’re not at home. That would be my best advice.”
Another house fire occurred in Luskville on Thursday February 24 on Stanton Road.
The fire appeared to have been caused when a chimney set the outside of a home on fire.
The house sustained significant damage, but the resident was unharmed and is staying with friends.
To minimize the risk of Chimney fires, Mansey advises: “Make sure you have your fireplace inspected, make sure you have your chimney cleaned and use properly seasoned wood.”
Mansey also highlighted how these fires saw the community come together, and especially thanked the Chelsea, La Pêche and Bristol fire departments along with the local Lions and Lionettes clubs for helping the affected families.
Chichester fires are under investigation, fire chief believes power surges played a role
Brett Thoms
Chichester Feb. 28 2022
Fires in Chichester are under investigation. The Pontiac West fire chief believes that power surges played a role in both.
The first fire occurred at a garage on 74 Nichabau Road on Feb. 5 at 8:50 a.m.
The fire was believed to be caused by an electrical surge to an air compressor in the garage.
However this has not been 100 per cent confirmed according to Glynn Fleury, fire chief of Pontiac West.
Fleury is concerned that another fire was also caused by an electrical surge in Chichester on Feb. 18 at 19 Pembroke Road.
The fire was caused by an electrical surge to power a box into an unoccupied cottage. The surge occurred despite the power box being shut off at the house.
“We’re just keeping an eye on things to make sure that happening might be a problem with hydro,” said Fleury.
Fleury is asking the investigators to compare notes to ensure that the causes of the two fires are not linked.
“It seemed kind of strange,” said Fleury. “I want to make sure there’s no continuous power surges that are burning buildings.”
Fleury stresses that working, up to date smoke alarms are very important to protect people against fires. He also suggests that fire extinguishers could be helpful.
No one was hurt in either fire.
