A detached garage that was ablaze Tuesday in North Battleford is being knocked down for public safety reasons. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Garage fire

Structure fire levels garage in North Battleford

Feb 10, 2021 | 2:52 PM

North Battleford fire crews suppressed a fire Tuesday evening that destroyed a property’s garage on 98th Street.

The department got the call just before 6 p.m. last night and quickly moved to combat significant flames that devastated the garage and the contents inside, including a vehicle.

Deputy Fire Chief Colin O’Hara said the contents and weather conditions were issues in fighting the fire, which took four hours and 30 minutes.

“We’re using water, and there’s always back spray on that,” he said. “Your guys tend to get worn out a little bit more quickly, dealing with those elements. We had a good turnout for man power, were able to get it under control, and make sure it was fully mitigated before we left the scene.”

The owners were not harmed, as the garage was detached from the rest of the property and they could stay in their home as a result. The five firefighters were also unharmed.

Because of the sheer amount of water used to suppress the fire, it has now turned to ice. The building will be demolished because of the extensive damage. O’Hara said this is in the best interest of the public, as the structure is a hazard. However, it means the cause of the fire will have to be left as undetermined.

“We’d like to try and figure out what caused things to occur,” O’Hara said. “But the ability to get inside and be safe to get through it, with the time of year and weather right now, isn’t [the best course of action]. We’re just going to have to say it is undetermined and err on the side of caution and public safety.”

The building will be demolished today.

josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports

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