OLDS — A fire that destroyed a detached garage on Christmas Day in the northwest end of town was accidentally caused, the Olds Fire Department says.
However, precisely how the structure ignited was not disclosed in a fire department news release.
Olds firefighters were called to the scene at 4410 55th Ave. at 10:58 a.m.
Nineteen firefighters responded to the call with a rescue and ladder truck with two command units.
Firefighters remained on-scene for about two hours in bone-chilling cold. The temperature was at least –23, if not colder at that time.
When fire crews arrived, smoke and flames could readily be seen, but they had it extinguished in about 13 minutes.
“From the time of 911 call to an under control on a fully involved fire in 13 minutes is a Christmas blessing,” a post on the Olds Fire Department Facebook page says.
There were no injuries to occupants of the home or to firefighters.
Damage was limited to the garage and a fence. The garage was considered to be a total write-off. However at press time, the precise figure of that loss had not been disclosed.
“The Olds Fire Department would like to thank AHS (Alberta Health Services), EMS (paramedics), Olds RCMP, Olds public works/utilities, Fortis and RW Electric for their expedient service to assist the owners in mitigating the incident and restoring power to their home in frigid temperatures,” the news release said.
“A big thanks to our families for their unwavering support,” a post on the Olds Fire Department Facebook page says.