The Bragg Creek Husky station, located in the hamlet at the corner of highways 22 and 22X, burned down Jan. 30.
The fire, which broke out just after 8 p.m., is thought to have been ignited by fumes from a gas tank the owner, a mechanic, removed from a vehicle.
ìThe fumes of the gas tank collected in the ceiling and when the pilot light for the unit heater kicked on, it ignited,î said Bob Evans, Redwood Meadow Emergency Servicesí deputy fire chief and one of the first to respond to the fire.
The owner suffered minor injuries when the flash fire ignited his clothing, but he managed to extinguish the flames in the snow outside the garage, according to Rocky View Fire Chief Ken McMullen.
ìHe was exposed to fire during the flash,î he said. ìHis pants burned off. He was very lucky.î
Observers reported hearing explosions, likely from the flash fire, said Evans.
McMullen said propane tanks located outside the building ruptured, releasing propane, another possible cause for the explosions.
Redwood Meadowsí volunteer fire service, which is under contract with Rocky View Fire Services to cover Bragg Creek, was the first station to respond to the fire.
The station was quickly joined by firefighters from Springbank, Elbow Valley, Cochrane and Priddis. Madden and Langdon stations also lent a hand.
Water was brought in by tankers from nearby Redwood Meadows and used to refill large portable tanks, standard operating for firefighting, according to McMullen.
ì(The fire) was knocked out within half an hour,î he added. ìThere were no issues whatsoever. It was well done.î
Firefighters were onsite for just under 12 hours and received assistance from the local Subway restaurant, which provided sandwiches, and a local pub that provided a rest area.
ìThese businesses were great,î said Evans.
The damage to the station is estimated to be $400,000, and the nearby Bragg Creek Shopping Centre, which was threatened by the fire, suffered minor damage.
