Fire Claims Multiple Structures in Vegreville

Fire Claims Multiple Structures in Vegreville

Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser

On Tuesday, October 8th, a fire that started in a pop-up garage shelter quickly spread to result in the losses of two structures and the vehicles inside of them.

Vegreville Fire Chief Phil Rowe reports that after an initial investigation, it became clear that the fire was started in the truck inside the first shelter.

“It appears that the vehicle was plugged in, so we’re leaning towards the cause being the block,” Rowe said.

He further advised that especially at this time of year after they’ve been out of use for the summer, people should check their extension cords to ensure that they are in good condition. Cheap or frayed extension cords, he explained, are a recipe for disaster.

On-scene at the fire, fire crews were inhibited by a large crowd of people and vehicles who had gathered to watch the flames. With the next nearest hydrant close to one block away and both entrances to the alley blocked, responders had to work around the crowds and come up with an alternate solution to put out the flames, which were already engulfing the garage when they arrived. They also saw a delay while waiting for power to be cut off from lines that were hanging low above the fire.

“We know that fire is interesting,” said Chief Rowe. “We do ask that you stay away. In this instance, we needed

an alleyway that was blocked from both sides and the property owners suffered losses that could have been avoided if we had been able to do our job uninhibited.”