Crews with Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services have put out a house fire that spread to an adjacent home in the 1900 block of Mount Nelson Crescent.
The department got the call early in the afternoon on July 8 and a full page out was made to all staff upon arrival.
One home was fully engulfed and the fire had spread to the roof of the other house, where there was significant damage.
There were no injuries, but three families have been displaced.
“With the summer heat and southerly winds, there was a palpable risk of the fire spreading further into the neighbourhood and the nearby forest,” said Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services Director Scott Driver.
“We are grateful that our initial strategy of focusing master streams at the involved structures and adjacent vegetation was successful in containing the fire to the two burning structures. With the potential for afternoon winds, the very real threat of an evacuation of the neighbourhood was on everyone’s mind, including
ours.”
The investigation into the cause will proceed in the coming days.
Driver said the collapse of one of the buildings is leading to significant challenges and the investigation will have to be closely coordinated with the building’s demolition.
He said he’s extremely proud of the response from his crew.
I cannot commend enough the dedicated members of Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services. With high summer temperatures and significant heat from the fire, they endured significant challenges with the conditions and performed valiantly,” Driver added.
“Despite being a small team, their unwavering commitment and professionalism are inspiring, and this incident exemplifies the quality of staff we have protecting our community.”
He also wanted to thank the other first responders including the Cranbrook RCMP, BC Wildfire Service and BC Ambulance Service for their support.
He said the community is also coming together to help those affected.
“I want to acknowledge our community members. The outpouring of support and solidarity shown by neighbours offering comfort to those affected exemplifies the true spirit of our community. Please know that your compassion for each other is noticed and valued,” Driver said.
“Thank you to everyone who played a role in yesterday’s response. Your selflessness and collaboration made a significant difference in mitigating what could have been a much greater tragedy.”
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