OLDS — Fire officials say a blaze in a basement suite on Sunday Sept. 27 that displaced all the occupants of a three-storey apartment building was caused by an “accidental cooking incident.”
Firefighters got the call to 5114 46 Ave. just before 1 p.m.
Eighteen firefighters responded, utilizing seven fire apparatus to battle the blaze, which started in a basement suite.
It took about four hours to put out the fire and secure the building.
Didsbury firefighters were called to help and EMS provided an ambulance for the safety of firefighters and displaced residents.
All the occupants of the building were evacuated, because smoke spread throughout the building and the fire resulted in a total loss of utilities.
The town’s emergency management personnel arranged for all residents evacuated to be temporarily lodged in the Pomeroy Inn & Suites.
According to a news release, when firefighters arrived, “there was heavy smoke and fire venting from the south side of the structure.
“Fire crews initiated suppression activities, quickly knocking down the forward progress of the fire from the exterior windows before entering the structure and eliminating the fire.”
There were no reported injuries to any occupants or firefighters.
“A working local fire alarm system and building safety components were key factors in quick notification of the fire department and safe evacuation of all residents,” the release says.
