Deadly Listowel fire caused by propane torch
Posted Nov 8, 2011 12:45:31 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire in Listowel that killed two fire fighters back in March was caused by a propane torch being used during roof repairs.
The blaze broke out March 17th at a commercial building on Main Street West.
The Fire Marshal says workers were repairing a leak in the roof when the blaze started between the roof and suspended ceiling.
Deputy District Chief Ken Rae and firefighter Raymond Walter became trapped when the roof collapsed. The Fire Marshal says rescue efforts were made but extreme fire and smoke conditions made a rescue impossible.
In a release, Ontario Fire Marshal Ted Wieclawek says, “The OFM’s investigation highlights that this tragic fire could have been prevented. It also illustrates the unique challenges faced by the fire service when fighting fires in various types of building construction. As a result of our investigation, the OFM will incorporate what we have learned into existing training programs offered at the Ontario Fire College and to fire departments.”
