A fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in Cougar Ridge, a southwestern neighborhood of Calgary, resulting in the destruction of three homes and damage to one other. Although several neighboring houses were evacuated, there were no reports of injuries. Firefighters received reports of a home on fire on Cougartown Close S.W. at approximately 2:05 p.m. When they arrived at the scene, one house was engulfed in flames, which quickly spread to the neighboring homes. Four residents were able to escape unharmed, but two dogs were unaccounted for, according to the Calgary Fire Department.
Saul Deng, a resident of the area, said that he and his wife were at home with their grandchildren when someone knocked on their door, and firefighters arrived, telling them to evacuate. He tried to drive away but was told by fire crews to walk due to the road conditions and visibility. Other residents in the vicinity were also relocated as a safety precaution but were allowed to return later. A thick black cloud of smoke was visible from nearby neighborhoods.
The fire department spokesperson, Carole Henke, confirmed that it was a two-alarm fire and that crews were on the scene at 3:30 p.m. to prevent the blaze from spreading further. Henke also said that the wind helped the fire move quickly, causing it to spread to nearby homes. She advised people to stay out of the area and to stay in their homes if they lived on the street or in the immediate vicinity.
A fire in Cougar Ridge destroyed three homes, damaged one other, and led to the evacuation of several neighboring houses. Fortunately, no one was hurt, although two dogs are unaccounted for. Crews are still on the scene, trying to prevent the fire from spreading further, and residents in the area are advised to stay inside their homes.
