Calgary Fire Department_SherwoodFire_May_14
At around 12:15 am fire crews responded to the 100 block of Sherwood Crescent NW for a structure fire. Crews arrived at heavy flames and smoke coming for the rear of a two-story residential home with front attached garage. Firefighters stretched high volume fire hoses between the homes and began knocking back the fire. Crews also set up high-flow ground monitors to contain the fire and limit spread to other homes. The fire had extended up the backside of the home and into the roof. A ladder truck was set up to help protect neighbouring homes and access the roof. A fire crew made entry into the home with a hose line to extinguish hot spots in the ceiling of the second floor while other crews completed searches to confirm all occupants were out.
Wind gust of over 40km/hr were reported and firefighters noted the wind shifted during this incident however crews were able to limit the spread of the fire and the response was kept at a first alarm response.
A total of 17 occupants had self-exited from three homes and no injuries were reported. The exterior of two neighbouring homes sustained damaged to the exterior, but all occupants were able to reoccupy. Seven people have been displaced from the source home.
A fire investigator attended the scene and fire watch crews rotated throughout the morning to ensure no reignition.
While the cause of this fire is still under investigation, improper disposal of smoking materials continues to be 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.
For more information on general fire safety and fire prevention, please visit calgary.ca/fire.
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