Calgary, AB,
14
December
2021
|
11:36
America/Denver

Calgary Fire Crews Fight Garage Fire in Martindale

At approximately 09:35 on the morning of Tuesday December 14, 2021, Calgary fire crews were called to a home on Martha’s Meadow Close N.E. for a garage fire. The resident who was home at the time, was alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms in the house. After discovering a fire in the garage, she safely evacuated with her young child as well as three of the four family cats and then called 9-1-1.

When fire crews arrived on scene, thick dark smoke could be seen coming from the garage and the front door of the house. Firefighters quickly entered to structure to start fire extinguishment as well as search for the missing cat.

Once fire crews found the cat, it was brought outside, and using Calgary Fire's Pet O2 kit, lifesaving efforts were started. Sadly, the cat did not survive despite firefighters’ efforts.

The fire in the garage was quickly brought under control, preventing the spread of flames to neighbouring homes. Fire damage to the garage and its contents is extensive. The smoke from the fire also spread throughout the interior of the house and caused significant damage.

A Calgary Fire Department fire investigator has been called to the scene to determine the exact origin and cause of this fire. Fire crews are retrieving personal items for the family as they will be unable to reoccupy for some time as a result of the significant damage to the house. Firefighters will remain on scene for the remainder of the day.  Three adults, three children and three cats have been displaced as a result of this fire.

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, as was evidenced in this particular incident. 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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