STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Photo supplied by the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service
Check your Connection

Leaking propane connection determined cause of Sexsmith fire Wednesday

Apr 14, 2021 | 9:38 PM

Area fire departments are reminding residents to ensure their barbecues are safely connected to their propane tanks, after extinguishing a blaze at a Sexsmith home caused by a leaky connection Wednesday.

The Sexsmith Fire Department and County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service were called to the fire on 99 Street at around 6:20 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found a fire on the rear exterior of the home and a BBQ.

The fire was quickly brought under control, while damage was limited to the rear of one side of the duplex.

With that, investigation by the County of Grande Prairie Fire Marshall determined that the fire was caused by a propane leak from the BBQ regulator.

“Residents are asked to check their BBQ propane connections on a regular basis with soapy water to ensure there are no leaks,” said Deputy Fire Chief Jason Nesbitt of the Regional Fire Service.

“In addition to this, always ensure there is adequate clearance from the BBQ to the home in the event something does go wrong.”

Nesbitt adds damage to the home was limited because of a quick call to 911 and a “very fast response time by the Sexsmith Fire Department and County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service”.

No one was injured as a result of the fire.