Battery-operated skate board suspected cause of Princess Street fire

Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) and Frontenac Paramedic Services (FPS) responded to a fire in an apartment in the 1500 block of Princess Street on Sunday morning, and are investigating a battery-operated skate board as the likely cause of the fire.

“This morning KFR responded to a residential fire alarm in the 1500 block of Princess Street around 6:40 a.m. Firefighters arriving on scene were advised of a father and infant trapped in an apartment bedroom by heavy smoke conditions,” KFR confirmed in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

According to KFR, a mother and service dog escaped while a 15-year-old boy used a building fire extinguisher to knock down the fire.

KFR’s investigation revealed that an electric long skate board had caught fire in the entranceway of the apartment.

“Firefighters rescued the father and 18-month-old baby boy from the bedroom,” KFR said.

In total, KFR confirmed, three persons were transported to hospital due to smoke exposure. All were released from hospital shortly after 9 a.m., KFR said.

The skate board was seized by investigators and is undergoing further review.

According to KFR, damage is estimated at $3,000. Victim Services have been contacted to further assist the displaced family.

KFR is urging the public to examine battery-operated devices for damage, and to ensure that their electrically-operated devices and batteries are certified.