Massive Inglewood condo fire caused by careless smoker, confirms fire department

The CalgaryFire Department says a four-alarm fire at an Inglewood condo that forced more than 200 people from their homes in May was caused by a careless smoker.

Officialsspoke to witnesses who saw flames emerging from a container between a window and door on a patio. That led them todetermine the fire was caused by the careless disposal of a cigarette in a planter, acting fire investigationco-ordinator Travis Thiessensaidin a release Wednesday.

• Residents of Inglewood condo still reeling after massive fire
• 200 people affected by 'huge' blaze at Inglewood condo complex

The cigarette was likely disposed of around 10:30 p.m. on May 30, where it smoldered for some time before bursting into flame.

Crews arrived on the scene around 1:30 a.m. the following morning. All 64 units of the building were evacuated and 25 fire apparatuses were required to contain and extinguish the blaze, the department said.

"We commend residents for alerting each other as it was a narrow escape for some of them," said Thiessen.

"However, we need to remind all Calgarians to never dispose of smoking materials in planters or plastic containers, and to use caution when using outdoor open flames, including barbecues and backyard fire pits."

1 in 3 recent fires caused by careless smokers

Thiessen said the blaze was part of a recent trend of preventable fires that have been caused by careless cigarette disposal.

"We've seen three careless disposal fires in the last five days," Thiessen said.

"This has been an unusual and extreme year for smoking-related fires in Calgary."

Of 53 building fires in May and June, the department said 17 were related to smoking. Out of the 25 most serious fires, 13 were suspected to be or causedby careless cigarette disposal.

"Residents who accidently start fires in an outdoor flower pot often report they thought it was just dirt. It's not. These are flammable materials that can smolder for hours then ignite the rest of your deck and house," Thiessen said.

The trend may have contributed to an overall increase in fires in Calgary, as May was the busiest month in five years for building and structure fires. The total cost in property loss is estimated at$10.9 million so far for the month, with that number expected to increase as other investigations wrap up.

Careless cigarette disposal accounts for roughly half of all outdoor fires where the fire's cause could be pinned down, the fire department said.

The department shared a few tips for fire prevention:

• Don't put outcigarettes or smoking materials in plant pots, peat moss, or on the lawn or garden.
• Put out cigarettes in a deep, wide, sturdy metal container with a lid, filled part way with sand or water that should be emptied regularly.
• Douse butts and ash with water before putting them in the trash.
• Don't store propane tanks, firewood or yard waste near your house.
• Check your smoke alarms and change them every 10 years.
• Use a spark guard on your outdoor fire pit.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Thunderstorm watch rolls in as Calgary cools off but heat warnings remain in Alberta
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |8 distressed dogs rescued from Alberta hotel room after woman under court animal ban arrested
• Read more articles byCBC Calgarylike us onFacebookfor updates and subscribe to ourCBC Calgary newsletterfor the day's news at a glance.