A blaze in the brush just west of Calgary has been contained, but it was a challenging battle to get there. (Courtesy: Eden Cooper)
A fire broke out in the brush area just west of Calgary, which was later brought under control after a challenging battle. The incident occurred on Monday evening in the Heritage Woods area around 5:40 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing black smoke from several kilometers away.
Jon Evans, the deputy fire chief of Rocky View County, stated that the initial responders encountered a fully engulfed outbuilding or shed, with flames spreading rapidly into the nearby forested region. Evans described the fire as moving swiftly through the bushes, resulting in multiple flare-ups.
At its peak, the fire posed a threat to seven residential structures, but firefighters managed to contain it before any damage occurred. The operation required the deployment of twelve firefighting vehicles and twenty-seven firefighters.
Evans mentioned that some firefighters would remain at the site overnight to monitor the area for any potential rekindling of flames or hot spots. The cause of the fire remains unknown, although Evans noted that despite recent moisture, the area remains exceptionally dry, increasing the risk of wildfires.
In summary, a blaze erupted in the brush area near Calgary, prompting a swift response from firefighting crews. Despite the challenges posed by the rapidly spreading flames, responders managed to contain the fire and prevent any damage to nearby residential properties. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, firefighters remain vigilant to prevent any potential flare-ups due to the dry conditions in the region.
