Officers save family from early morning fire in NE Calgary

In a dramatic turn of events early Saturday morning, two Calgary police constables became unexpected heroes after spotting signs of a house fire while on patrol in the northeast community of Falconridge.

According to CPS Staff Sgt. John Guigon, the officers were driving through the area when they smelled smoke and instinctively followed the scent to a home on Falton Drive NE.

Upon arrival, they discovered flames licking the exterior of the home and smoke filling the air.

The officers rushed to alert the sleeping occupants, helping evacuate three adults and a newborn baby before fire crews arrived.

The officers even attempted to contain the blaze using their patrol-issued fire extinguisher, though it proved insufficient against the growing flames.

Thanks to their efforts, everyone was safely out of the house by the time firefighters arrived to battle the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Guigon praised the constables’ bravery and initiative.

“It’s exactly what most of us dream of when we join up—actually saving people and making a difference,” he said. “That’s exactly what these two young constables did.

I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if they hadn’t found that house on fire. It’s just amazing.”

Alex Kwan with the Calgary Fire Department says the fire began in a planter pot, with cigarette butts nearby, outside the home.

He adds the fire had extended along the exterior front of the house, crediting the constables’ actions for preventing the situation from being much worse.

The case also underscores the importance of not only having a smoke detector but ensuring it works.

Fire crews say there was one in the home, but it was disabled at the time of the blaze.