Calgary Fire Responds to Riverbend Garage Fire

At around 8:40am fire crews responded to the 100 block of Riverview Close SE for a structure fire. On approach, crews observed a large column of dark smoke and declared a working fire. Crews arrived at a two-story residential home with a front attached garage with heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the garage. Firefighters stretched multiple hose lines and began knocking down the fire from the driveway while other firefighters completed searches of the home and confirmed there was no one inside. The occupants had all self-exited and stated that they were alerted by a neighbour/passerby of the fire. There were no injuries reported.

A vehicle was inside the garage at the time and also on fire. Crews checked for extension into the roof of the garage and the majority of the fire damage was confined to the garage. A fan was set up to ventilate the rest of the home from smoke. Fire investigators attended the scene and have started their investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.

Emergency Health Services Alberta, Calgary Police Services, ATCO Gas and Enmax all attended the scene. Utilities to the home were isolated and a fire watch crew remains on scene.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation; however, the Calgary Fire Department would like to remind all Calgarians on some important safety tips around garages:

• Avoid clutter and storage of household waste such as old paints and aerosol cans. Routinely clean up and safely dispose of these items at an appropriate City of Calgary Facility in Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program.

• Practice safe charging of any electrical batteries

• Never store propane inside

Please visit www.calgary.ca/fire for more fire safety and prevention information

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