FORT McMURRAY — Firefighters in Fort McMurray responded to two separate basement bedroom fires within about 12 hours on July 15, including one caused by an overheated lithium-ion laptop battery.
Emergency crews were first called to a home on Cardinal Drive during the early morning after reports of smoke coming from the basement.
Firefighters found smoke filling the main floor and initially attacked the fire through a basement window before entering the home. The blaze was quickly brought under control, preventing it from spreading beyond the basement.
No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported.
The fire caused significant smoke damage throughout the house. Fire investigators are continuing to determine the cause.
A second basement fire was reported shortly after 10 a.m. at a home on Brett Drive.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and no injuries were reported.
Regional Emergency Services investigators determined the fire was caused by an overheated laptop lithium-ion battery.
Fire Marshal Nick Brenner is reminding residents not to use or charge laptops on beds or other soft surfaces, where cooling vents can become blocked and increase the risk of overheating.
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