Calgary Fire Crews Fight Bridgeland Basement Fire

At approximately 10:25 on Thursday morning, December 9, 2021, a call was made to 9-1-1 reporting smoke and flames coming from the basement of a house on McDougall Road N.E. Initial reports to 9-1-1 also indicated that two people may possibly be trapped in the basement. When fire crews arrived on scene, they quickly entered the home and in conjunction with fire extinguishing efforts, searched the entire residence, finding nobody inside.

The two story home had been converted into at least two separate suites however the only one smoke alarm in the house activated and alerted occupants to the fire danger and it was located on the second floor. Smoke alarms on both the main and basement levels were not functioning at the time of the fire.

Firefighters successfully contained the fire to the basement, declaring the fire under control within 30 minutes of arrival on scene. Due to damage to the building’s electrical system as a result of the fire, residents were not allowed to reoccupy the building at the time this release was issued. No injuries were reported as a result of this fire. A fire investigator has been called to the scene to determine the origin and cause.

The Calgary Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Smoke alarms, when properly installed, tested and maintained, provide the best early warning system in the event of a house fire. Detection and warning of smoke and fire saves lives and reduces damage to homes and personal belongings.

Remember:

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
Test smoke alarms once a month by pressing the alarm's test button and replace the batteries of each smoke alarm once a year.
Replace smoke alarms after 10 years. Or, if you discover a smoke alarm is defective or broken after testing, replace it.
Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement, and ensure there is a smoke alarm in or near every sleeping area.
Plan and practice your home escape plan twice per year with the entire family

For more information on fire safety and fire prevention, visit Calgary.ca/fire

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