Calgary Fire Crews Respond to Thorncliffe Basement Fire

Shortly before 3:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11th, Calgary 9-1-1 received a call from the residents of a home in the 5400 block of Centre Street NE where a basement fire was quickly growing.  Calgary Fire Department crews responded immediately and, upon arrival, found smoke and flames visible from the back of the house. Crews started a quick fire attack immediately searching for any occupants.

The residents of the house were alerted to the fire by one of the occupants and all evacuated.  Four occupants were assessed by EHS paramedics for injuries with one of these being transported to hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation.  Fire crews rescued numerous pets from the structure.  Unfortunately, one dog and two cats died as a result of the fire.  Three other dogs and two cats were rescued alive and survived.   

Enmax and ATCO assisted at the scene with ensuring that the power and gas utilities were made safe for responders and the public.

A Calgary Fire Department Fire Investigator attended the scene to determine the exact origin and cause of this fire and fire crews remained at the scene overnight to ensure full extinguishment.

Working smoke alarms save lives and can reduce your risk of dying in a house fire. For more information on smoke alarms and general fire safety and fire prevention, please visit calgary.ca/fire. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds. 

These three important actions will help make sure your smoke alarms are an effective first line of defence:

· Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement.

· Test all smoke alarms, including 10-year lithium-ion battery powered alarms, at least once a month by pushing the test button and replace batteries at least once per year.

· Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.

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