Firefighters contend with complications related to cold in early morning house blaze
Windsor firefighters had to contend with frigid temperatures while they dealt with a house fire early Wednesday.
The fire happened at a twostorey home at 852 Cataraqui St. around 5:30 a.m., when thermometers in Windsor were hovering around the -14 C mark.
Two residents were already outside the building when firefighters arrived.
The flames started on the first floor and spread to the second floor.
It took about an hour to deal with the situation.
No one was hurt. Damage was estimated at $50,000.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Investigators believe it started in a living room wall. The incident is not considered suspicious.
Chief fire prevention officer John Lee said firefighters deal with cold outdoor temperatures at fire scenes by cycling crews more quickly and allowing firefighters to “rehab” more frequently.
“There’s always some risk of freezing (with the hoses),” Lee said. “On a larger scale fire, we’d have a mechanic attend to make sure the trucks are running properly.
“Obviously, we’re more cautious. There’s more risk of slips and falls. Ice is a factor — freezing hydrants, freezing water lines.”
However, Lee said Windsor Fire and Rescue Services haven’t had any problems with this winter’s weather.
On Wednesday afternoon, Environment Canada issued another special weather statement for all of southern Ontario including Windsor-Essex, advising of a bitter cold snap starting Thursday and continuing into Sunday.