Fire crews responded to a small deck fire on Selwyn Road in Langford on Sunday morning ignited by ashes from a fireplace that were left outside.
The ashes, believed to be cold by the homeowner, were placed on the deck next to some recycling, but were still hot enough to start the recycling burning. A neighbour spotted the fire and the homeowner put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher before fire crews arrived on scene.
The damage is estimated to be about $5,000, but the homeowner may have been lucky in this case. Langford Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Chris Aubrey said the department has responded to a number of these types of fires where there has been significant damage. He could think of at least two fires which caused between $50,000 and $100,000 in damage.
Aubrey reiterated that ashes should be placed outdoors in a metal container and allowed to sit for at least three days before being disposed of.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com