Embers possible cause of serious blaze
Fires on Saturday, Sunday each destroyed two homes and damaged two others
Improper disposal of embers might have sparked a blaze that destroyed two homes and damaged another pair in the city’s southeast on Sunday, said a Calgary fire official.
On Sunday afternoon, fire crews battled a blaze in the 1000 block of Copperfield Boulevard S.E. that sent several families fleeing from their homes.
No one was injured in the blaze. “The disposal of embers is the only indicator of a cause right now, though that could change,” said Battalion Chief Alistair Robin.
That blaze and others in the city should be a reminder for residents to ensure they have functioning smoke alarms and to dispose of smoking materials, barbecue and fire pit embers safely.
“As the weather gets nicer, people aren’t stuck in their homes and with the prevalence of the wind, it certainly doesn’t take long for things to spread,” said Robin.
That fire followed one that broke out at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the 1100 block of Royal Oak View N.W. that also destroyed two homes and damaged two others.
Kathy Boucher’s home was one of those destroyed by a fire that broke out in their next-door neighbour’s house.
“Our daughter came into our room, woke us up and said, ‘The house next door is on fire, we have to get out of here,’” said Boucher. “It spread pretty quickly.” Nobody was injured in the Royal Oak blaze, but about nine people have been displaced, she said.
Boucher’s family of three has been put up temporarily by neighbours, while others have been donating food and other necessities.
“Our neighbours have taken us in even with COVID,” she said. “We’re trying to get a house to rent fast so we can get out of their home.”
Both Robin and Boucher said it’s unclear what started that fire and both blazes are still under investigation.