Family Of Four Rescued From Apartment Fire

Shortly after 1;30 A.M. this morning the Calgary Fire Department responded to the 2000 block of Centre Street N.E for reports of a building fire.When crews arrived they discovered a two storey apartment building with a large amount of flame at the rear of the structure and several occupants climbing down a ladder placed beneath a second storey window. Crews assisted with the occupants egress and simultaneously began attacking the fire with large volumes of water. The fire was quickly brought under control and a thourough search of the building revealed all occupants had safely exited the structure. During the search it was discovered that a neighbor had seen the fire called 911, rushed to the aid of the occupants and had provided the ladder for their safe escape from the second floor window,as their normal avenue of egress had been blocked by the fire. No injuries were reported thanks to the quick actions of a concerened neighbor and the fire was confined to one unit that suffered significant damage, with a additional unit recieving minor damage . Traffic on north and south bound Centre street was temporarily closed during the fire ,and has since been reopened. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

 

The Calgary Fire Department reminds Calgarians that working smoke alarms provide the best early warning system in the event of a fire. A smoke alarm combines smoke detection and alarm sounding in one unit .Early detection of fires saves lives and reduces damage to houses and contents.

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