(BlackburnNews.com photo)(BlackburnNews.com photo)
Sarnia

Discarded Cigarette Likely Cause Of Petrolia Area Fire

Fire officials say a discarded cigarette is the likely cause of a fast spreading house fire in Enniskillen Township, near Marthaville Saturday.

Petrolia Fire Chief Lawrence Swift says videos and photos submitted by nearby residents helped in the investigation.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/swift-1.mp3"][/audio]

Chief Swift says the fire started on the underside of the decking on the front porch and the most probable cause of ignition was a discarded cigarette.

He said it was the fastest moving fire he's ever seen, racing through the Caroline St. home in less than three minutes.

Petrolia fire was assisted by Wyoming and Oil Springs fire crews.

No injuries were reported.

Damage is estimated at $200,000.

Read More Local Stories

(left to right) SPS Deputy Chief Michael Van Sickle and Acting Chief Mike Federico. June 25, 2026. (Photo by Natalia Vega)

SPS turns off comments

SPS Board Chair Kelly Ash said the decision followed discussions with Acting Chief Mike Federico and aligns with practices at other police services.

(File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo Inc. / dehooks)

Scoreboard, June 26

The Toronto Blue Jays dropped their third in a row Thursday, 6-5 to the visiting Texas Rangers, and the Detroit Tigers suffered a 2-1 loss to Houston.