A house fire in Sagewood drew the response of multiple Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) members on April 16.
According to a press release from the City of Airdrie, firefighters responded to the call at 5:17 p.m., when a report came in of a structure fire in the 300 block of Sagewood Park SW.
“Upon arrival, fire crews found a two-storey residential home fully engulfed in fire with the blaze threatening to extend to [two] adjacent homes,” the release stated.
Residents of the three homes involved had evacuated safely to the street and were accounted for, according to the City, and no injuries were reported.
“Due to extreme fire conditions and risk from a badly damaged and potentially unstable structure, firefighters quickly initiated an exterior or defensive fire attack strategy,” the City stated.
“An aerial ladder was used to deliver copious amounts of water from an elevated master stream, while firefighters on the ground protected exposures with additional handlines and appliances.”
Gas and power utilities were shut off to the home where the fire began to ensure the safety of firefighters, and RCMP officers cordoned off the immediate area to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
In the days after the blaze, a GoFundMe page was set up for the family that lost their home and their belongings in the fire. As of April 19, the page had raised just over $6,730 for the Hope family.
“There are a couple of pets that have yet to be accounted for and I hope we can find them,” the page stated. “All they have is the clothes on their back.
“We are so relieved everyone is safe and sending our love and thoughts to the homeowners, the neighbours and anyone that is affected. If you could find it in your heart to help this family in need to replenish what was lost, I know they would be so grateful.”
The Fire Prevention Bureau continues to investigate the cause of the fire, according to the City. Total damage has been estimated at $500,000.
Seven pieces of apparatus and nineteen firefighters were on scene.
