Two hospitalized following S.E. explosion and S.W. house fire in Calgary

Calgary firefighters responded to two separate incidents this morning, sending a man and a woman to hospital with burn and smoke inhalation injuries.

Around 9:30 a.m., crews were called to the 400 block of 51 Avenue S.E. for a camper explosion. A man sleeping inside the camper was severely burned on his hands, feet, and face. EMS transported him to hospital in serious condition. While the camper was destroyed, firefighters quickly contained the resulting fire, preventing it from spreading to a nearby building. No other injuries were reported, and a fire investigator is determining the origin and cause of the explosion.

Several minutes later, fire crews were dispatched to a house fire on Shawbrook Close S.W. On arrival, dark smoke was visible from the single-family home. A woman, already outside, had suffered burns to her face and hands after trying to extinguish the fire and then evacuating. She was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and burn injuries.

The fire, which began in an upstairs bedroom, was quickly extinguished and contained to the room of origin. However, smoke damage throughout the home will displace the family of four with their pets for some time. Working smoke alarms alerted the residents, helping them escape safely. 

A Calgary Fire Department Fire Investigator has attended this scene as well. 

Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and working smoke alarms in both homes and recreational vehicles.

Smoke alarms

Working smoke alarms save lives by alerting occupants to harmful smoke and can reduce your risk of dying in a home fire.

The toxic effects of inhaled smoke can overwhelm occupants before they can escape or even wake up from sleep. When properly installed, tested and maintained, smoke alarms are the best early warning system in the event of a home fire.

Home escape plans

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.

A home escape plan contains the layout of your home, the escape routes that should be used, and where to meet once you are outside. It is important to create and practice an escape plan with everyone who lives in your home so that they know what to do if there is a fire.​​​​

Fore more information on fire prevention and fire safety, please visit calgary.ca/fire

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