The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

TWO men are fighting for their lives in hospital after they were “extensively burned” in two separate house fires early Monday and Tuesday morning.

Fire Services Chief Walter Evans said the first incident happened around 8am Monday, which resulted in a man receiving serious burns over most of his body.

“We got a call around 8am, that a house was on fire through Constitution Drive. When we arrived on the scene, there were flames and smoke coming from an apartment complex. Prior to arriving in the area, we were told that a neighbour saw the fire and used a tool to open the door,” Supt Evans said.

“After he got the door open, a male resident of the house came running outside and collapsed on the ground. He was taken to hospital by ambulance where he remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.”

In the second incident, Mr Evans said the police fire department received reports that there was an explosion in a home off of Montrose Avenue caused by a leak in a propane tank.

“We got the call around 7am (Tuesday) that there was an explosion. When officers arrived, they met the windows and doors of the single story home completely blown out. Every single window was shattered,” Supt Evans said.

“There was one man inside who was thrown into the refrigerator as a result of the explosion. He was also taken to hospital where he is in serious condition. At this point, we believe the explosion was caused by a propane gas leak and an open flame or light switch ignited the flame.”

Supt Evans sent this warning to residents: “If you have a propane gas tank or cooking gas, have it checked by a certified electrician and also if you are in a situation where you smell a very strong odour that might be gas, or is strange to you, open your windows and call a certified electrician.”

In this case, he urged people not to turn on a light switch or light a flame.

Investigations into both matters continue.