Calgary fire crews busy with two multiple alarm incidents this morning
Fire crews attend commercial industrial fire
At approximately 09:00 this morning, fire crews were called to an industrial commercial business at the 3300 block of 23 Street N.E. for a building fire. The caller to 9-1-1 told dispatchers that there was a fire at the rear of the building.
The incident commander upgraded the incident to a second alarm on arrival despite the smaller size of the fire due to the chemicals known to be in the building. The company uses these products regularly in their day to day business and they posed an increased risk to firefighters as well as the property if the fire grew any further.
All 40 employees safely evacuated the building and were sheltered by a Calgary Transit bus once it arrived on scene.
At approximately 10:20, the incident was upgraded to a third alarm for additional resources so that firefighters could rehab without interruption to firefighting duties. Once the fire was under control, fire crews checked for extension and ventilated the building.
Some employees were allowed back in with respiratory protection to retrieve colleagues' and their own personal possessions. Due to some of the chemicals which became airborne and traveled throughout the building, remediation will need to be done before employees are allowed back to work and regular business resumes.
The fire investigator has determined that the fire is not suspicious and was related to the use of 'hot works' , A spark had made its way to some combustibles causing the fire to start.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
Calgary fire crews respond to multiple house fire in Sage Hill
At approximately 11:30 this morning, Calgary fire crews were called to Sage Hill Manor N.W. for calls to 9-1-1 in which the caller stated that the back of one house was on fire and flames were spreading to the house next door. When fire crews arrived, they saw significant flames at the rear of two homes. The Captain immediately upgraded the response to a second alarm.
Firefighters used the deck gun, large volume hose lines and hand lines to get the fire under control. Residents of the affected homes had self evacuated prior to CFD arrival. Nobody was home in the house where the fire started.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire however damage to the source home is extensive. Fire and smoke damage to one neighbour is moderate and the other neighbour has exterior damage to the siding. One neighbour, who was home with his wife and dog, attempted to fight the fire with two extinguishers before evacuating the property.
Fire investigators are on scene to determine the exact origin and cause of the fire. If anybody has photos, video or information regarding this fire, especially prior to CFD arrival on scene, please email piofire@calgary.ca
-30-