A stray ember is likely to blame for a $275,000 fire in Orangeville over the long weekend.
Orangeville Fire Services believes the blaze on 1st Line EHS near 10 Sideroad, Mono, started when mulch caught fire from a spark from a nearby fire pit used earlier on Monday, Aug. 4.
Firefighters arrived at 7:42 p.m. to find the converted apartment engulfed in flames. It took about 30 minutes to extinguish, said Orangeville Fire Chief John Snider.
After the fire was brought under control, crews spent several hours conducting an overhaul and ensuring the fire was completely out.
Nobody was living in the apartment.
One firefighter was treated for minor injuries and returned to duty.
Fire crews from Shelburne, Caledon and Grand Valley provided water and additional firefighters to help due to the heat and humidity.
“Everyone is reminded to use extreme caution when conducting any controlled burning in Dufferin County as conditions have been very dry and there have been numerous fires over the past few weeks,” said Chief Snider.