Calgary fire crews quickly extinguish Southview basement fire

At noon today, Friday January 8th, Calgary fire crews were called to the 2000 block of 36 Street S.E. for reports of a basement fire. On arrival, a large amount of dark smoke was coming from the windows of the residence. Four occupants from the fire suite jumped from the balcony because their exit door was blocked by the smoke and fire. They were assessed by EMS and no injuries were reported.

Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and found nobody else inside. The fire, which started in the basement, extended into the main floor of the residence and caused significant damage. The four residents are being assisted by the Red Cross. The three other suites in the building did not sustain damage as a result of the fire and those residents have been allowed back into their homes. 

A Calgary Transit bus was brought to the scene to provide temporary shelter for six people and two dogs evacuated from the four suites in the building. CPS officers provided support with traffic management as 36 Street needed to be closed for a short time to ensure firefighters could work safely.

Working smoke alarms alerted the occupants to the presence of a fire. A fire investigator is on scene to determine the exact origin and cause of this fire. 

The Calgary Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the importance of working smoke alarms and having a home escape plan.

• 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 immediately.
• 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.

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use those minutes can make a lifesaving difference. Please take the time to practice your home escape plan at least twice per year.

For more fire safety information visit calgary.ca/fire

-30-