Missing Seal Cap and Adjuster Plunger Released Gas to Fuel Fire

Location: Oak Bay

Regulated industry sector: Gas – Natural gas system 

Incident overview

An unexpected fire started in the plywood sub-base of a fireplace in a residential home. The fire was located near the pressure regulator and gas control valve, causing a release of gas to fuel the fire. The service regulator was found to be missing its seal cap and adjuster plunger which could have resulted in a release of gas. The fireplace controls and valve train were also damaged in the fire.

Investigation found that the long-term operation of the fireplace exposed the plywood sub-base to heat long enough that it reduced the temperature needed for ignition.