Firefighters quickly contained a blaze to a front-attached garage on Wednesday morning after a neighbor alerted residents to the growing flames.
At approximately 8:40 a.m., Calgary Fire Department crews responded to reports of a structure fire on the 100 block of Riverview Close SE. Responding units declared a working fire en route after spotting a large column of dark smoke in the air.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and visible flames erupting from the front attached garage of a two-story residential home. Crews deployed multiple hose lines from the driveway to knock down the primary blaze, which had also engulfed a vehicle parked inside the garage. Meanwhile, search-and-rescue teams entered the home and confirmed no occupants remained inside.
All residents successfully self-evacuated prior to the arrival of emergency crews after being warned by a passing neighbor or bystander. No injuries were reported.
First responders checked for extension into the roof structure, successfully confining the majority of the fire damage to the garage. Firefighters then set up high-powered ventilation fans to clear lingering smoke from the main living quarters.
Emergency Health Services (EHS) Alberta, Calgary Police Service, ATCO Gas, and Enmax also responded to the scene. Utility crews isolated power and gas to the home, and a fire watch detail remained on-site to monitor for potential hot spots.
While fire investigators work to determine the origin and cause of the blaze, the Calgary Fire Department reminds all residents of critical garage safety precautions. Homeowners should regularly declutter excess waste, old paints, and aerosol cans, safely disposing of them at designated City of Calgary Household Hazardous Waste facilities. Additionally, residents should always practice safe charging for electrical batteries and never store propane tanks inside attached structures.
For additional fire safety guidelines and prevention tips, visit www.calgary.ca/fire.