Police suspect arson in SE Calgary garage fire that damaged homes

The actions of a Good Samaritan have potentially saved the life of a man following a house fire early Thursday morning. Carlene Sorensen reports.

By Lauryn Heintz and Michael Ranger

Posted Aug 22, 2024 6:35 am.

Last Updated Aug 22, 2024 7:03 pm.

Police believe a garage fire in southeast Calgary that damaged homes early Thursday morning may have been deliberately set.

Emergency crews were called to the Riverbend community around 12:40 a.m. for reports for a fire in the area of 18 Street SE and Riverglen Drive.

When firefighters got there, they found a large fire that had spread from the garage to a house and two other adjacent homes, the CFD says. Another CFD crew was called to help with the blaze due to its size and rapid spread.

Firefighters used multiple hose lines and ladder trucks to apply large amounts of water to the main body of the fire, which brought it under control.

CFD says heat and flames from the initial fire caused damaged to the outside of a property across the alley.

Two of the homes had people inside them at the time of the fire, but everyone was able to evacuate safely. One of the homes exposed to flames was unoccupied.

Officials say one cat was reported missing from the house where the fire started, but firefighters were able to find it and resuscitate it. The cat was taken to emergency vet care in stable conditions.

A fire in a detached garage in Calgary’s Riverbend community early Thursday morning has left several properties with significant damage, the fire department says. (Courtesy MC)

Investigators with the Calgary police arson unit and Calgary Fire Department (CFD) now believe there were two additional fires set to recycling bins on River Valley Crescent SE and on the street. Officials believe on of the fires was set around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night, and the other was set around the same time as the larger garage fire.

“While it is not believed the smaller fires led to any property damage or injuries, the possibility of the three fires being connected is being investigated,” reads a release from investigators.

Police are asking for anyone with dashcam or security footage of the Riverbend area around the time the fire started to contact police. Specifically investigators want footage of people who may have been travelling by foot or bicycle from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday in the following areas: