Crews respond to two separate blazes
Edmonton fire crews responded to calls of a blaze at a home in the city's west end Thursday morning.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services spokeswoman Brittany Lewchuk said multiple calls were received around 8:08 a.m. Thursday reporting smoke coming out of the windows of a home near 184 Street and 72 Avenue.
Crews arrived four minutes later and the fire was under control at 8:25 a.m.
Four crews and fire investigators remained on scene shortly after 9 a.m.
No injuries were reported. Edmonton police confirmed they were responding to the fire as well as reports of a weapons complaint.
EPS spokeswoman Cheryl Sheppard said a man was taken into custody under the Mental Health Act after he was believed to be posing a risk to himself and the public.
“He was transported to hospital where he will be undergoing a mental health assessment,” said Sheppard in an email.
The fire took place near Lymburn School.
Principal Cathie Bush sent a letter home to parents saying a student and a staff member saw an individual on 184 Street holding knives.
No students or staff were injured.
“This incident is a good reminder to talk to your children about stranger danger. Remind them to be aware of their surroundings, to travel in groups when possible and to tell a trusted adult if they see something suspicious,” wrote Bush.
This was the second house fire EFRS responded to in the early hours of Thursday.
Shortly after 1 a.m., crews were called to a fire in the basement of a home near 71 Street and 93 Avenue. EFRS arrived on scene at 1:09 a.m. and had the blaze under control at 3:25 a.m.
EMS assessed one person at the scene for smoke inhalation.