Propane likely cause of Hay River blaze
No serious injuries, says official
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, August 28, 2017
HAY RIVER
A Hay River house is a "complete loss" after a fire Aug. 16 that is being blamed on a propane leak, says a fire official.
Fire Chief Ross Potter said the number of people living in the residence when the fire broke out at 7:30 p.m. is unclear.
Some of the occupants sustained minor burns, he noted.
"Singeing of hair and that type of thing, but extremely minor," he said.
The house has had additions made over the years and a damage estimate wasn't immediately available.
After the fire was extinguished, a large hole could be seen in the roof of the building.
An investigation into the fire is underway, but the suspected cause of the fire was a propane leak.
"They could smell it the day before, but didn't think anything of it," said Potter of the occupants of the house.
"And then they could hear the leak."
Potter said some of the occupants apparently moved a dryer to find the leak or to stop the leak from happening, and the propane ignited.
"I would suggest there was a small explosion," said Potter.
Members of the Hay River Fire Department were on scene for four or five hours.
In cases of suspected propane leaks, said Potter, homeowners are advised to immediately contact either the gas company or the fire department.
