Calgary fire crews battle basement fire in NW

Shortly before 10:30 this morning, Calgary fire crews were called to the 8300 block of 48 Avenue N.W. for a house fire. The caller to 911 and resident of the house, had just returned home to find thick black smoke coming from the front door when she opened it to go inside.

On arrival, firefighters found the fire in the basement. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and were able to rescue a large 13 year old African spurred tortoise as well as some geckos. Due to the amount of heat and smoke generated by the fire, a cat and 18 snakes did not survive.

No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported as a result of this fire. Damage to the basement is significant with smoke damage throughout the home. A Calgary Fire Department fire investigator is attending the scene to determine the exact origin and cause of the fire. 

The residence did have working smoke alarms which activated with the accumulation of smoke and were audible upon fire crews' arrival. Two adults and two children as well as their pets will be displaced as a result of this fire.

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