It appears an improperly discarded cigarette is to blame for a house fire Monday night in Barrie's south end.
Firefighters were called out shortly before 9 p.m. to a home on Country Lane, near Mapleview Drive East.
"They're still looking into the cause," Assistant Deputy Chief Ed Davis told BarrieToday. "We've got the location pinned down — we believe it was the garage — but the exact cause is undetermined as of yet.
"It's looking like it was smoking materials," he added. "It happens, but it is preventable."
Everyone was able to get out of the house safely and without serious injury. Five people went to hospital, but Davis said four of those were to support an elderly woman who required medical attention and assessment.
The home is uninhabitable. The Red Cross has helped provide accommodations to the residents who were affected.
Damages are estimated at $400,000.
"It's fairly extensive. It's gone throughout the home," Davis said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the residents. Click here for more information on how to donate.
There are ways to prevent such fires from happening, Davis said.
"If you're going to smoke in the garage and discard a cigarette, make sure it's out," he said. "Use a pail of sand or water to make sure it's completely out. And obviously the basics: make sure your CO and smoke detectors are working."
