- Author
-
Marinoff, E.
- Title
- Van Fire, Mississauga, Ontario, March 8, 1991. Fire Investigation Report.
- Coporate
- Office of the Fire Marshall, Canada
- Report
-
Fire Investigation Report
October 24, 1991
9 p.
- Keywords
-
fire investigations
|
fire fatalities
|
heaters
|
bedding
- Abstract
- A fire had occurred in a van occupied as living quarters by one individual. The occuapnt had the heater operating which was adjacent to bedding. The bedding eventually ignited, killing the occupant who was likely sleeping at the time. In addition to the vehicle's 12 volt power system, the vehicle contained some 120 volt appliances normally found in a home. These appliances were energized with two extension cords plugged into external power sources. The cause of the fire was determined to have been due to the operation of a heater powered from a 120 volt source. Major modifications were performed to the heater in order to use it as an appliance powered from a 120 volt circuit. This heater was not intended for use as an appliance. Upon investigation it was determined that the following factors contributed to this fire and the fatality: 1. The heater was modified by an unqualified person who was either unaware of the pending danger or was negligent. The heater was orignially not intended to be used as an appliance heater. 2. The heater was used in a congested area adjacent to combustible bedding. The heater contained no guard over the heater element. 3. The van was being used as living quarters. The use of a smoke alarm would likely have saved this persons life.