While the fire was sparked by a wood stove, its origin was around the chimney, he said. When a fire causes multiple deaths, it's in the public interest to release the cause because such information can promote public safety, Fraser said. He agreed when asked if there needed to be more openness when it comes to releasing that information. Jeffers, who has been fire marshal for more than a year, would not say what changes his agency is contemplating. According to the Canada Safety Council, an area of at least one metre around a wood stove or fireplace should be clear of anything that might catch fire or overheat.

Source: CBC News February 22, 2018 15:11 UTC