Calgary fire crews respond to multiple wind related incidents throughout the day

Starting at approximately 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, Calgary 9-1-1 started receiving calls from citizens regarding hazards and safety concerns resulting from the significant increase in wind and accompanying wind gusts. Fire crews were called to multiple incidents in which; trees were blown down, landing on power lines; debris flying around and landing on roadways; and siding and roofing material being ripped from buildings. All of these incidents created potentially serious public hazards for citizens. A majority of the incidents occurred between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Incidents Calgary fire crews responded to include the following:

At 8:35 a.m., a recently-erected cinder block wall collapsed at a construction site at the 1000 block of Edmonton Trail, landing on a neighbouring house. Calgary fire crews responded and ensured scene safety. No injuries were reported and the City's Safety Response Unit was called to the scene to investigate. 

At 12:10 p.m., 9-1-1 received calls regarding metal sheeting coming off of the top floor of a high-rise residential building located at the 200 block of 5th Avenue. Firefighters went to the roof and removed all of the loose metal cladding around the HVAC ducting and safely stored it inside the building until maintenance personnel could make the appropriate repairs. No injuries were reported. 

At 12:45 p.m., Calgary fire's technical rescue team was among the fire crews dispatched to the 4600 block of McCall Way for damage to a large industrial storage tent. Today's wind tore a large section of the roof, putting it at risk of tearing off completely and possibly landing in traffic of the nearby roadway, McKnight Blvd. Firefighters scaled the inside of the structure and safely removed the loose portion of the tent roof without incident. No injuries were reported.

Calgary's weather can change quickly and high winds like those we experienced today can create dangerous situations. To reduce your risk, keep your family and pets indoors if you can. Ensure objects in your yard are secured so that they do not become projectiles and cause injury or damage. If you come across a downed power line, call 9-1-1 immediately and  keep at least 10 metres away,  warning others to stay away as well. Assume that anything the downed power line is touching is energized and dangerous.

Power outages can happen unexpectedly especially during extreme weather events  and so the Calgary Fire Department reminds you to keep fire safety top of mind. Ensure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and plan and practice your home escape plan with your family. For more information on fire safety, visit calgary.ca/fire 

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