Apartment fire started near attic junction box

An apartment building fire at 104 Hanbidge Cres. was caused by resistance heating or arcing beside an electrical junction box in the building ’s attic, according to a Regina Fire and Protective Services investigation.

The first call about the fire was received at 11:57 p.m. on Saturday, said fire marshal Randy Ryba. When the first trucks arrived, three-quarters of the 32unit building ’s roof was engulfed in flames.

Two extra fire trucks were called in for a total of seven on site, and it took firefighters most of the night to put out the blaze. All residents evacuated the building safely.

Ryba clarified that the cause was not electrical.

“There’s a number of different things that could cause this damage or cause an electrical conductor to produce heat or arcing. One is mechanical failure ... as well as improper installation and expansion or contraction of the conduits given the weather conditions,” he said.

“That box was heavily damaged. We know where it started, but the contents within did not determine one of the three different mechanisms of ignition.”

Issues like compromised conductors or connections in the box that cause resistance heating or arcing can develop slowly over time, said Ryba.

The investigation took a day and a half and involved a Saskpower electrical inspector and a gas inspector.

Ryba said it was clear early on that the fire had started in the attic, and said damage to the building is extensive.

“Although the building is still standing, the entire roof system and the top floor on both sides sustained heavy damage due to our fire ground operations pulling ceilings, applying water and foam. The west-most half of the building is damaged severely with water, smoke and heat.

“The east side not so much, but that building will be uninhabitable for many, many months at the very least,” he said.