No smoke alarms at fires in Timmins, one home destroyed, the other heavily damaged

Two residences in Timmins were badly damaged – one was destroyed – in separate fires this week. Both residences didn’t have smoke alarms, officials said.

Scott Foster is the deputy chief. An earlier version of this article has been corrected. — Firefighters in Timmins are reminding the public of the importance of having working smoke alarms after two fires Monday caused heavy damage.

Neither residence had smoke alarms, officials said in a news release Tuesday.

The Timmins Fire Department first responded to a garage fire at a west-end residence at Carr’s Trailer Park, deputy fire chief Scott Foster said in an email.

“Prior to arrival, the fire had spread to two nearby homes,” the news release said.

“One home was a complete loss, while the other received significant damage. A third home received minor damage. No injuries were reported during the incident and all occupants were able to exit the residences.”

Later in the afternoon, crews responded to a second structure fire in Schumacher at a multi-unit dwelling on Father Costello Drive.

“The fire was quickly brought under control by the arriving crews and no fire spread to additional units,” the release said.

“None of the buildings involved had working smoke alarms. All occupants are fortunate to have escaped thanks to the actions of brave neighbours.”

Fire officials said the incidents are a good reminder of the importance of smoke alarms – and of regularly checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, ensuring you have a home escape plan and discussing fire safety with your family.