Chatham-Kent firefighters were kept busy after two people accidentally set fires while trying to beat the cold temperatures on Friday.
Shortly before 2:40 p.m., a Thamesville resident was unable to start their vehicle at an address on Longwoods Road west of Huffs Side Road due to the cold temperatures and attempted to warm up the vehicle by charging it. Instead, the vehicle caught fire before spreading to another vehicle and a carport. Firefighters were forced to battle the cold temperatures but were able to extinguish the blaze.
Damage has been estimated at $80,000.
Shortly after at around 5:34 p.m., firefighters were called to a Blenheim house on Front Line after the homeowner attempted to thaw frozen pipes with a portable electric heater and handheld heat gun. Firefighters were able to contain the ensuing fire to an interior wall of the home.
Damage for that fire is pegged at around $20,000.
"Extended periods of cold temperatures can present many challenges, Chatham-Kent Fire Emergency Services asks that you use extreme caution when attempting to thaw frozen pipes," the fire department said in a news release. "If unsure how to do it safely, then contact a qualified contractor."
Firefighters respond to a house fire on Front Line in Blenheim, February 1, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services)
