Focused sun rays spark fire in Nelson

Nelson Fire & Rescue Services responded to a report of flames and smoke coming from a Fairview house on July 26, 2020.

However, it wasn’t a candle or small BBQ that started the fire, but instead, an unassuming bauble.

“It was determined that the cause of the fire was due to a decorative globe concentrating the sun’s rays onto the wooden railing, which ignited and spread to the house.”  said Assistant Fire Chief  Michael Daloise. 

Both the Nelson Police Department and Nelson Fire & Rescue responded to the incident at 3:25 p.m. 

The quick actions of an NPD officer helped mitigate the damage by simply using the backyard hose to extinguish the bulk of the fire which originated from the outside deck.

The fire originated on the deck, burning parts of the wooden railing, as well as some extension to the wooden siding and trim. (supplied by Nelson Fire & Rescue Services)

When the remaining Nelson Fire & Rescue Services crews arrived, including six which left their homes that afternoon,  they immediately checked the interior of the structure to ensure that there was no fire inside. 

Pieces of the wooden siding and deck railing were later removed for safety. Nobody was injured and crews determined that the damage was estimated at $5000.

“Nelson Fire & Rescue Services would like to remind the public that glass objects, or anything else that can refract light, could magnify the sun’s rays and ignite objects such as decking and siding,” Daloise added. “This is especially important with the heat wave warning issued by Environment Canada for the upcoming week.”

 

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Puck drop date set for KIJHL season

The puck will drop on the 2025-26 KIJHL regular season on Friday, September 19, when the league’s 21 teams each embark on a 44-game schedule.

Council votes to bring Baker Street market back downtown

Following months of community debate and vendor frustration, Nelson’s Wednesday farmers market will return to it’s longtime home on Baker Street next week (July 16). 

Report makes six recommendations on event safety after Lapu Lapu festival tragedy

A report commissioned by the B.C. government after a deadly attack at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver makes a number of recommendations to improve security at public events.

B.C. SPCA welcomes proposed ban on exotic cats

The B.C. SPCA is welcoming proposed regulations from the B.C. government to ban all exotic cat species. 

RCMP seeking two men after explosion outside MLA Bowinn Ma’s North Van office

RCMP have released images of two men they believe were involved in an explosion last month in North Vancouver, which damaged the front door of the building housing the constituency office of B.C. NDP MLA and cabinet minister Bowinn Ma.
- Advertisement -