The Lacombe Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at 4526-46 Ave. at 7:54 a.m. on Nov. 27th. An immediate request for mutual aid was sent to Blackfalds Fire Department.
“The first Lacombe fire engine arrived on scene at 8:05 a.m. and found the building full of thick black smoke, but no flames were immediately visible from the exterior,” said Lacombe Fire Chief Ed van Delden. “An entry team quickly located a small fire in the center of the shop floor, and a search of the building confirmed that there was no one inside.”
A subsequent team entered and discovered fire above the ceiling of the building. A section of the ceiling was pulled down and a small fire in the roof truss was quickly extinguished. The fire was declared under control at 8:24 am. Blackfalds Fire Department was released from the scene.
Damage to the building, predominantly smoke, is estimated to be around $50,000. The origin of the fire is believed to be immediately above the shop overhead heater.
The building attic space was insulated with cellulose insulation and plans are in place to have all of it removed as a precaution against a rekindle.
Two RV trailers were inside the shop in various stages of repair. Some fire and significant fire odour was present in these units. It has yet to be determined as to whether these units can be cleaned for continued use. Estimates do not include repairs to these units.