During the morning of March 7 Madawaska Valley Fire Department was called to a garage fire in the 90 block of Mask Island Road. According to a media release received from the MV Fire Department, within six minutes of the call 18 fire fighters, a pumper, two tankers and rescue vehicles were on the scene to find smoke pouring out of the building. An offensive attack was mounted and this succeeded in containing the fire to the front half of the roof and attic space – the flames did not spread to the walls of the building. Above MV fire fighters on site. Photo MV Fire Dept.
Having started a fire in the stove inside the garage, the owner’s son left the building around 11 a.m. and noticed heavy smoke and flames coming out from the eaves. He called 911 and then used a fire extinguisher to try to slow down the fire a little before the Fire Department arrived. It appears the fire started in the chimney which was plugged with creosote. There was a two inch gap in the chimney located between the ceiling and roof. A snow slide on the roof may have caused the chimney to separate at that point, but the damage could not been seen as it was covered by the ceiling.
MV Fire Chief Corwin Quade said it was fortunate the fire was discovered so quickly. No one was injured. The building sustained about $40,000 in fire and water damage. The owner did not have insurance on the building. The 40 by 50 foot garage contained two farm tractors, an antique car being restored, a car hoist and various farm equipment and tools.
Quade praised Renfrew Despatch for relaying potential hazards such as the presence of acetylene, oxygen and propane tanks as well as diesel fuel and gasoline. This alerted the fire fighters while they were still en route to the scene. He commended the fire fighters’ work during the two hours before they cleared the site, saying “They are truly an amazing group of men and women.” He said the temperature was -9C but with windchill it felt like -18C. As soon as water from the hoses hit the ground, it turned to ice. The Fire Department notified Public Works who responded with a sand truck. Quade also stated his appreciation for MV Council’s support in ensuring the Fire Department has all necessary equipment for these calls.
Quade,C.,Madawaska Valley Fire Department(2021,Mar.8) Mask Island fire [media release]