Officials are still trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a garage at a dairy operation on Rge. Rd. 1.4 just north of Olds.
However, the cause is not believed to be suspicious. Damage is pegged at more than $170,000.
Olds firefighters were called to the fire on Feb. 16 at 6:15 a.m.
"Upon arrival, crews discovered a large detached garage/workshop structure fully involved and flames threatening the adjacent residence," a Town of Olds news release says. "A defensive attack was initiated to focus on preventing fire spread to an adjacent home."
The garage and its contents were destroyed, but firefighters managed to protect the home. A nearby vehicle was heavily damaged by heat and some fluid milk had to be discarded.
In the end, 29 firefighters -- with water tanker support from the Bowden, Innisfail and Didsbury fire departments — fought the blaze in frigid conditions for four hours.
There were no injuries as a result of the blaze, according to officials. However, firefighters were exposed to extremely cold temperatures and high winds so they were monitored closely by ambulance personnel on site for signs of hypothermia and exposure.
"The extreme cold put heavy stress on the firefighters and their equipment, but operations were not affected as a result," the release says.
FortisAlberta and Foothills Gas were called in to ensure essential services could continue at the residence and dairy operation.
Firefighters spent several hours after the fire making sure equipment was functional.
Some minor damage was found to have occurred, due to expansion brought on by ice, according to the release.
