A carelessly discarded cigarrette butt started a fire on the 12th storey of a west end high-rise building on Wednesday, May 11th. The fire at Meadowlark Park caused an estimated $40,000 in damages. Photograph by Trevor Robb

By Trevor Robb

EDMONTON- An isolated fire on the 12th storey of a west end high-rise building on Wednesday was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarrette butt.

Fire crews and paramedics responded to a 911 call just after 12:40 p.m. at Meadowlark Park on 165 Street and 87 Avenue, after a fire on the balcony of a 12th floor suite caused an estimated $40,000 in damages.

The Edmonton Fire Rescue Service said in a press release that firefighters evacuated the 12th floor of the building and instructed occupants on other floors to remain in their suites until the emergency passed. Fire crews contained the blaze in under twenty minutes. Paramedics treated one patient on scene but no one was taken to the hospital.

Wayne Pawlowski, chief of fire investigations for the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, addressed the issue at a press conference at the downtown fire department on Thursday afternoon.

“These types of fires are especially frustrating because they’re so easy to prevent,” Pawlowski said Thursday. “All you need is a coffee tin with sand or water in it or a $2 pocket ashtray to put out your cigarette.”

Fire crews responded to five separate fires across the city Wednesday, all of which were started by discarded cigarettes. Damages are estimated at $131,000 in property damages, according to Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

Fire investigators say improperly discarded cigarettes have caused nearly one million dollars in estimated damages in 2011. In 2010 and  2009, the tally was $5.1 million and $2.3 million.

“It’s never okay to improperly discard a cigarette butt regardless of the season or weather,” said Pawlowski. “The bottom line is if you smoke, use an ashtray, and make sure your cigarette is completely distinguished.”

robbt@mymail.macewan.ca

EDMONTON – Two dogs are dead after an electrical fire tore through the Doggie Deli restaurant at 151 Street and Stony Plain Road Monday afternoon.

According to a statement released by the Edmonton Fire Service, two English bulldogs perished in the blaze but fire fighters were able to resuscitate one pit bull by using a special oxygen mask designed specifically for animals.  The dog was then taken to a nearby veterinarian clinic where it is expected to survive.

The fire was called in around 4:15 p.m.  Fire fighters quickly arrived on the scene and found a locked building full of smoke.  After gaining entry they were able to put out the fire in less than 30 minutes.

Damages to the building as estimated around $175,000.

WhiteM26@mymail.macewan.ca