(PARRY SOUND, ON) – On January 3, 2014 at approximately 2:46 a.m. the West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) assisted the Parry Sound Fire Department (PSFD) with a vehicle fire on Waubeek Street. The fire was put out by PSFD and no injuries resulted.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the vehicle fire may have been started by a block heater’s electrical cord.
With the cold weather here, many residents are using their block heaters to keep their vehicle warm while it is not in use. The OPP has the following tips for vehicle owners:
– Don’t drive over your extension cord. With the low temperatures, this can cause cracking and breaking.
– Cover the block heater plug when not in use to protect the end.
– Use caution when disconnecting the cords. Hold the hard, rubber end to pull the ends apart.
– Do not plug in your vehicle if it is left in a garage.
– Regularly inspect your block heater cord for any cracks, breaking or corrosion.