Calgary Fire: Don’t impede crews fighting flames

Crews were working to fight a structure fire in Riverbend Thursday morning when they say several motorists stopped right in front of the house fire to take photos and video, impeding their ability to stage and do their work quickly and effectively.

This has prompted the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) to remind citizens who find themselves on the scene of a fire or other incident before crews arrive, to move out of the way.

Around 9:20 a.m., multiple 911 calls were received about a structure fire on Riverbend Gate South East.

When crews arrived on scene in the back alley, the department says the fire was consuming a shed and a fence and had already spread to the house on the same property and the garage next door.

It was also melting the siding of the house to the east.

Carol Henke, CFD communications officer, says citizens really need citizens and the public’s help to “give us room to work.”

“Vast majority of people understand that. And I do understand that seeing a fire is intriguing. It’s interesting. It’s not something the average citizen would see on a regular basis,” she told CityNews.

“But seconds count. It is so important to give us the room to work.”

She the first incoming engine had to lay on the air horn to “motivate them to move out of the way.”

“Seconds really can make a difference, not only to people, but to the pets that are inside, to fire spreading to other buildings, so we really need everyone’s help,” Henke said.

CFD explains that firefighters quickly knocked down the flames on the neighbouring house and continued to concentrate efforts on the property where the blaze started.

All residents escaped safely prior to CFD’s arrival on scene.

Firefighters also rescued two cats from the basement of the origin house.

However, one dog from the neighbouring house is missing as he ran off while his owner was evacuating her home. The department says it is a medium-sized dog named Nueka and may be too afraid to come if called.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

Damage to the property where the fire started is “extensive,” according to the department.

The house to the east sustained damage to both the garage and the vinyl siding.

CFD adds that the neighbour on the west side tried to control the fire with a garden hose, but once the flames and heat became too much, he needed to back away for his own safety.

Fire investigators are on scene to determine the origin and cause of this fire.

If anybody has photos or video, especially before CFD arrival on scene, please email piofire@calgary.ca.

-With files from Lisa Grant