Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) responded to two structure fires Nov. 13, resulting in approximately $15,000 worth of damage to residential homes within the community.
Crews were called out to respond to a report of flooding in the basement of a home located on Palm Springs Bay S.W. at around 2:30 p.m., according to a press release. They quickly determined that the incident had been caused by an earlier fire, the release stated, which had occurred in a stack of clothing in the laundry room area of the home's lower level.
"The blaze extended upward, where the heat ruptured a plastic domestic water line located in the ceiling," said Deputy Chief Garth Rabel. "The broken water line then acted as a sprinkler and doused and extinguished the fire."
He said firefighters shut off the water to the home to limit further damage, and used a thermal-imaging camera to confirm that the fire had been completely extinguished and had not extended to any other rooms. According to Rabel, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, and damage estimates are around $10,000 for the room and its contents.
Then, at 6:10 p.m., AFD received a report of a structure fire in a residence on Williamstown Green N.W. Upon arrival at the two-storey, single-family home, crews found a blaze burning on the back deck – all occupants had already safely evacuated to the street.
"Firefighters determined that a propane-fuelled barbecue was burning and that the fire had extended to the floor surface of a wooden deck and adjacent safety hand railing," Rabel said. "They quickly applied water to cool the barbecue and hold the fire in check until the propane cylinder could be shut down, disconnected and removed from the fire scene."
Thermal imaging was used to verify that the blaze had not extended, and damage of an estimated $5,000 was limited to the deck surface and railing.
"The public is reminded to ensure that all heating/cooking appliances receive regular maintenance and are in good working order," Rabel said. "[Residents should] provide adequate space on all sides of the barbecue and never place it close to structures or other combustibles. Barbecues should never be left unattended when in use."
