Two homes in Okotoks' Sheep River Cove have been lost after a fire Tuesday afternoon.
According to Okotoks Fire Chief Trevor Brice, two cats who were suspected to be in the basement at the time have not been accounted for.
"Unfortunately, we believe there's a couple of pets in the basement," he said. "We can't even get into the house at the moment.
"It's too dangerous."
Brice said no people were harmed.
The Heritage Pointe and High River fire departments were on scene to help local crews battle the blaze which Brice said began as a single structure fire before eastbound winds pushed it to a second house.
He said crews were able to save two neighbouring houses from being fully engulfed.
As crews were on route to the site, Brice said additional callers reported they heard loud bangs and explosions.
Though they are not exactly sure what was exploding, the fire chief theorized the gas tank of the truck parked in the garage could be to blame, as could the vehicle's tires.
As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, the fire was under control but crews remained on scene to mop up hot spots.
The area is open to local traffic only.
UPDATE 5:13 p.m.
High River firefighters have arrived on scene with a ladder truck.
The wind has reportedly caused the fire to spread.
It is unknown at this time how many homes are affected or if anyone has been injured.
Crews from #Okotoks, #HeritagePointe and #HighRiver are battling a blaze that started around 4:30. Video from a resident of Sheep River Cove where the fire began. pic.twitter.com/pNGM4MSi5e
— Lauryn Heintz (@LaurynHeintz) March 15, 2022
ORIGINAL:
Black smoke is billowing from a structure fire on Sheep River Cove.
Emergency crews from Okotoks and Heritage Pointe, including EMS and RCMP are responding.
There is no word yet on what caused the fire but multiple callers reported the fire and explosions around 4:30 p.m. March 15.
The road is closed. Emergency responders are only allowing residential traffic into the area.
With files from Brent Calver
