Banff fire crews keep up perfect streak

Banff fire crews were able to save a townhouse from flames Monday morning, maintaining their track record of no buildings lost in the townsite in 20 years.

The blaze erupted at the residence at 119 Cave Ave. at around 6:20 a.m., said deputy fire chief Jim Watt.

A mother and her preteen children in one suite, and two adults and a 15-month-old child in another suite managed to get out unharmed.

Crews arrived to find flames on the main and lower floors.

The fire was doused about 40 minutes later.

Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the fire, which does not appear to be suspicious.

A pickup truck parked on the driveway also sustained some damage.

Watt credited a method called positive pressure ventilation, which involves the use of large fans to pump air into the building and push out flames, hot gases and smoke, so crews can fight the fire from within the building.

The tactic — introduced to the department in 1995 — as well as the dedication of firefighters, are to thank for the department’s 20 years of success, Watt said.

“We just have three full-time firefighters in Banff. The rest are parttime paid,” he said.

“To have the record that we do, it’s sensational in my books,” he added.