Tower 31
At around 2:00pm fire crews responded to the 0-100 block of Panamount Heights NW for a house fire. The district fire crew was on their way back to the station and could see heavy smoke in the area as they were dispatched. On arrival fire crews saw heavy smoke and flames on the back side of multiple two-story residential homes, declared a working fire and called a second alarm. Occupants met crews outside and let them know that everyone was safely out. Crews quickly deployed multiple hose lines and sent teams into each home to check for occupants and knock down fire. Fire was held to the attic spaces and searches completed on the homes. No reports of injuries and all occupants were accounted for. Due to the significant amount of fire, a water tower was set up and used to douse the fires in the attic spaces. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, fire crews re-entered the homes with hose lines to extinguish hot spots. Fire crews were able to rescue two cats from one of the homes however one cat in the neighbouring home did not survive. CPS, ATCO and Enmax all attended the scene. Utilities were shut off to the homes and CPS controlled traffic and notified the public to avoid the area. The fire appears to have originated on the exterior, but it is unknown on which home. Fire investigators are on scene and have started their investigation to confirm the origin and cause.
Improper disposal of smoking materials is the leading cause of outdoor fires in Calgary. To help reduce outdoor fire risks, Calgarians should make an effort to properly dispose of smoking materials.
It is recommended to:
- Never put out cigarettes or smoking material in flower planters, peat moss, your lawn or garden.
- Use a deep, wide, sturdy metal container with a lid, filled part way with sand or water that should be emptied regularly.
- Ensure all butts and ash are out by soaking them with water prior to putting in the trash.
- Never discard your butts by throwing them off of your balcony, or out of your vehicle window.
Anyone with any information, photos or video prior to the arrival of fire crews are asked to please email piofire@calgary.ca
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