'Flames were shooting higher than the garage': Block heater cords cause 2 fires in 2 days in Edmonton

Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.

It was a cold day and Claffey had only just plugged the vehicle in ahead of running some errands late that afternoon.

"Went back into the house to enjoy a cup of coffee and a game of backgammon with the wife, and 15 or 20 minutes later, somebody was pounding on my door telling me my truck was on fire," Claffey said.

After firefighters arrived and put the fire out, Claffey said he was surprised again – this time to learn it's not uncommon for a plugged-in vehicle to go up in flames.

"(The firefighter) told me they get in the neighbourhood of 100 or so every year of these kinds of fires," he said. "The insurance agent was in this morning discussing it with me and she said the same thing."

"I've been here 65 years and didn't know anything about this."

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The fire melted the hood of Claffey's truck and damaged the garage door and part of the roof. He said the damage was minimal, but it could have been a lot worse.

"When I walked out the flames were shooting higher than the garage roof, probably 12- or 14-feet high."

Peter Claffey stands outside his garage, which was damaged when a faulty block heater cord caused his vehicle to start on fire. (Nav Sangha/CTV News Edmonton)

The fire at Claffey's home was one of two in as many days, with a faulty block heater cord causing a fire that damaged two cars and home in Blackmud Creek on Friday morning.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services said block heater cords should be inspected for physical damage or wear and damaged or frayed cords should be replaced immediately, as damaged cords can lead to short circuits. 

Extension cords should also be in good condition and should be rated for use outdoors and in extreme cold, as cords that are undersized or damaged can become overloaded or short circuit.

Claffey said a firefighter told him to keep his block heater cord tucked inside the hood, to protect it from the elements and damage from bouncing around while driving.

"It's a little more inconvenient to plug in at night, but a lot safer," he added.

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nav Sangha