Key Takeaways
- A residential fire in northwest Calgary damaged at least two homes on Monday afternoon
- All occupants escaped safely, with no reported injuries
- Firefighters contained the blaze mainly to attic spaces and rescued two cats from one home
- The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have originated on the exterior of one of the houses
- Calgary police and utility crews assisted with traffic control and shutting off utilities to the affected homes
Introduction to the Incident
A residential fire in northwest Calgary left at least two homes significantly damaged on Monday afternoon, though all occupants escaped safely. The fire occurred in the Panamount Heights NW area, near Panorama Hills Blvd and Panamount Blvd NW. Emergency crews were called to the scene around 2:05 p.m. after heavy smoke was spotted in the area. The quick response of the emergency services helped to prevent any injuries and ensured that all occupants were safely evacuated from the premises.
Response and Damage
Firefighters arriving on the scene found flames consuming the back side of multiple two-story homes and quickly declared a working fire, calling a second alarm. Images from the scene show one home fully engulfed in flames, appearing destroyed, while at least one neighboring property sustained serious damage. The firefighters deployed multiple hose lines and entered the homes to knock down the blaze. The fire was contained mainly to attic spaces, though crews had to set up a water tower to douse the flames before re-entering to extinguish hot spots. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that the fire had a significant impact on the affected homes.
Rescue Efforts and Animal Welfare
Occupants met crews outside and confirmed that everyone inside had made it out safely. No injuries have been reported, which is a testament to the swift response of the emergency services. Two cats were rescued from one home, but unfortunately, a cat in the neighboring house did not survive. The rescue efforts were a priority for the firefighters, who worked to ensure that all occupants, including pets, were safely evacuated from the premises. The loss of the cat is a tragic reminder of the risks and consequences of fires, and the importance of having a plan in place for emergency situations.
Traffic Control and Utility Response
Calgary police assisted with traffic control as Panorama Hills Blvd and Panamount Blvd NW were closed in both directions for several hours. Roads reopened shortly before 5:30 p.m. ATCO and Enmax crews also attended, shutting off utilities to the affected homes. The response of the utility crews was crucial in preventing any further damage or risk to the surrounding area. The closure of the roads was necessary to ensure the safety of the emergency responders and the public, and to allow the firefighters to work effectively to contain and extinguish the blaze.
Investigation and Aftermath
Investigators believe the fire originated on the exterior of one of the houses, though the exact cause has not yet been determined. Calgary Fire Department officials remain on the scene to confirm the fire’s origin. The investigation will be ongoing, and it is likely that the cause of the fire will be determined in the coming days. In the meantime, the affected residents will be working to come to terms with the damage to their homes and the disruption to their lives. The community will likely come together to support those affected, and to help them rebuild and recover from this traumatic event.
Conclusion and Reflection
The residential fire in northwest Calgary is a reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness. The quick response of the emergency services and the effective evacuation of the occupants prevented any injuries and minimized the damage. The incident also highlights the importance of having a plan in place for emergency situations, including evacuation procedures and emergency contact information. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the cause of the fire and the measures that can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the community will be focused on supporting those affected and helping them to recover from this traumatic event.
