Calgary fire crews respond to fully involved house fire on Short Road (off Bowdale Crescent N.W)

At approximately 2:15 p.m., Calgary firefighters were dispatched to Short Road N.W. following multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a house fire. The structure, known to be vacant and boarded up, had no connected utilities.

Fire crews encountered several challenges upon arrival. The property was located in an area without fire hydrants, requiring a water to be shuttled to the incident site. The narrow access road further complicated efforts to position fire apparatus, and hot, windy weather added to the difficult working conditions.

To supply consistent water without interrupting firefighting efforts, a tender was requested from the neighbouring Springbank Fire Department to compliment and support the firefighting operations of the CFD fleet. Tenders, which carry significantly more water than standard fire engines, were used to shuttle water to the scene.

Due to the extreme heat, firefighting crews were rotated frequently to manage fatigue and reduce the risk of heat-related injury. No injuries were reported as a result of this fire however, due to the extent of the damage to the house, a thorough search was not able to be safely completed during active firefighting operations. 

Fire crews remain on scene into the evening to put out hotspots and watch for flare ups. No other structures in the area were damaged however some trees near the house did burn due to the radiant heat. 

A Calgary Fire Department fire investigator is on scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. If anybody has photos, video or information regarding this fire ,especially prior to CFD arrival on seen, please email piofire@calgary.ca

-30-