Due to the dry, hot and windy conditions on Monday evening, the Lacombe Fire Department was called to three scenes; a residential fire and two grass fires in the Lacombe County.
The department responded to a residential fire at 5721 49th Ave. around 5:25 p.m. where it was discovered that a garage was being consumed by flames and due to the windy conditions, the flames were passed over to two nearby homes.
Fire Capt. Eric Nicholas explained that it’s not exactly known what caused the fire, but the department did its job with containing the fire to the nearby buildings. All residents were evacuated in a timely manner and no injuries were reported.
“The reports that came in were that it was a vehicle fire that extended through the garage and then further extension to the exterior of the house.”
According to a press release, a motorhome parked outside of the garage started on fire. The fire then moved to the garage and further onto the residential home, a surrounding home and multiple garden sheds.
Towards the end of the fire, which was put out after about three hours, the residential garage was completely burned.
About $250,000 worth of damage was caused by the fire but according to the release, both properties were insured and repairable.
“We had members in there very quickly and they established a stop to the fire before there was any extension through the house,” said Nicholas.
Lacombe Victim Services are supporting the residents of the two houses and have displaced them to other living arrangements while Lacombe Storage currently has a donation bin for those who are interesting in donating items to the families that were displaced while damages to their homes are repaired. They are looking for good usable household items and clothing in sizes ladies’ small, medium and large; mens’ large and girls’ small.
The LFD had a total of 29 volunteer members engaged in the three scenes on Monday and Fire Chief Ed van Delden explained the department also had help from surrounding communities.
“Fourteen members of Lacombe Fire responded to this incident, along with valuable mutual-aid support from the Bentley and Blackfalds fire departments. The Lacombe Police Services and City of Lacombe Enforcement Services also provided much welcomed support in managing traffic at the scene and keeping the public at a distance,” he said.
Officials said it is a reminder there is a fire ban on currently for Lacombe County, the Town of Blackfalds and surrounding areas.
Due to the dry conditions affecting the environment this spring, the public is reminded to wary of open flames when using fire pits and burn barrels within City limits.
shelby.craig@lacombeexpress.com