Tragedy struck home owners on the Thanksgiving Monday, just north of Okotoks on 306th Avenue East, West of the Hebson Arena near The Mill Store, October 8 when their home burned down.

Okotoks Fire Chief, Ken Thevenot, says the flames had already caused significant damage by the time crews arrived on scene.

"We got the call around 8:45 last (Monday) evening. When we arrived, the flames had breached through the roof, and crews went for a defensive attack right from the start," he said.

Thevenot says although the home was a total loss, they are thankful no residents or first responders were injured.

"The residents were not home at the time, they were visiting neighbours. It was a large home, there was no other exposures close to it, so we were able to contain the fire just to that one specific house. It was a total loss, unfortunately, but there were no injuries to anyone, firefighters or residents," he said.

Local fire departments from the M.D. of Foothills, High River and Black Diamond assisted Okotoks with containing the blaze.

Service crews from Atco and Fortis were also on the scene to deal with gas and electric concerns.

Thevenot says crews remain on scene monitoring hot spots as they prepare to investigate the cause of the blaze.

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com