How block heater cords can cause car fires [Video]

Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.

It was a cold day and Claffey had only just plugged the vehicle in ahead of running some errands late that afternoon.

“Went back into the house to enjoy a cup of coffee and a game of backgammon with the wife, and 15 or 20 minutes later, somebody was pounding on my door telling me my truck was on fire,” Claffey said.

After firefighters arrived and put the fire out, Claffey said he was surprised again – this time to learn it’s not uncommon for a plugged-in vehicle to go up in flames.

“(The firefighter) told me they get in the neighbourhood of 100 or so every year of these kinds of fires,” he said. “The insurance agent was in this morning discussing it with me and she said the same thing.”

“I’ve …