Hillcrest residents angered by crowds of onlookers during devastating fire

After the devastating fire in the community of Hillcrest this week, some residents of the area are voicing their anger and disappointment at how the tragedy drew public attention that turned into what some say is an unsavoury spectacle. Multiple social media posts throughout the week have chastised those who drove to the community specifically to take photos and videos of the blaze, even though they do not reside there.

In its official press release late Tuesday evening, the city had stated the initial call alerting fire crews to the fire was at 4:04 P.M on August 9. 30-some minutes later the Airdrie Professional Firefighters Association's Facebook page had asked residents to give fire crews space to work, while shortly after that, at 4:36 P.M. the RCMP had released a statement asking that both motorists and residents avoid Hillcrest terrace. However, social media posts with photos showing billowing smoke and flames were already appearing before the RCMP's statement. 

The issue of curious onlookers did not go unnoticed by the Airdrie Fire Department. Deputy Chief Garth Rabel said that he had to verbally remind individuals to keep away from the area and that at one point a vehicle had driven over a fire hose, making the work of firefighters all the harder.

Deputy Chief Rabel underlined that when the public flocks to scenes like this, it not only becomes a safety issue for firefighters, but also for the public. Structure fires release a multitude of chemicals into the air along with the smoke and while firefighters have the necessary equipment to shield them from exposure, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), the vast majority of the public does not. Rabel said that in some cases being around the noxious gasses is even more harmful than cigarette smoke. He added that when he himself was on the scene, he wore an N-95 mask.

Because houses contain many synthetic materials, when those materials burn, a multitude of chemicals are released into the air. The chemicals can include carbon monoxide, arsenic, benzene, and formaldehyde. Another particularly toxic compound is cyanide, which can be released during a house fire since many homes contain materials such as rubber, plastic or foam.

"Smoke, especially from a house fire, is extremely toxic and exposure should be avoided whenever possible. The area around an active fire incident is not a safe place for bystanders and it’s important for residents and neighbours to stay indoors and away from the scene for their own safety and that of our firefighters," the city's press release stated.

Residents of Hillcrest have expressed anger towards what they say are intrusive onlookers who are flocking to the neighbourhood to take photos and videos after a fire ripped through a home (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

The city had also alerted residents to this on social media when at 4: 51 P.M. on August 9, the city's Facebook page stated, "If you are downwind of the fire or experiencing smoky conditions: stay indoors, close windows, and turn off appliances which draw in outside air such as air conditioners."

While the fire investigation into the Hillcrest house fire has been completed and the results have been turned over to the homeowner and the homeowner's insurance company, the fire department will not be sharing the investigative results. Rabel said that what transpired on Tuesday is a lesson about both the advantages and disadvantages of social media: while it can be used to help residents stay informed and up-to-date, it can also cause a frenzied need to post pictures and videos, not always taking into consideration that someone's life has been drastically altered. 

On Thursday afternoon, Discover Airdrie went to Hillcrest and found that heavy machinery was in front of the house in question, underscoring Rabel's point that the house was extremely damaged and it would be up to the homeowners whether they choose to rebuild or demolish a portion of it. Neighbours who were outside confirmed to Discover Airdrie that there had indeed been an intrusive presence of onlookers, both during the fire and during the aftermath.

The homeowner of the house in question posted a message on his social media on August 9 saying, "Life throws you a curve ball sometimes. Today, this is ours. Nobody was home and that means we can figure this out as a family. At the moment we’re in Red Crosses care and I’m making my way down from work. I appreciate the outpouring of support but at the moment we have no needs outside of me rejoining my wife and kids."

A gofundme that has been set up by friends and neighbours of those affected by the fire has raised nearly two thousand dollars. On August 9th, an update on the page read:

"Thanks to everyone who has already donated. I had a few messages inquiring if donations will also assist the surrounding homes affected. This fundraiser will support the families displaced and whose houses were destroyed. It may take a few days to determine the extent each home was damaged."

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