On this past Sunday, at approximately 9 in the morning, the Airdrie Fire Department responded to a call of a possible structure fire located in the #300 Block of Midtown Gate SW.

Deputy Chief Garth Rabel of the Airdrie Fire Department describes what exactly the fire crews found when they arrived on site.

"When fire crews arrived, they found smoke showing in the interior of a two-story unit of a four-unit townhouse complex. A neighbor in the area smelled smoke and heard an activated smoke alarm so then they raised the alarm to 9-1-1."

The fire was traced to the kitchen, and with no occupants of the unit home, the fire crews forced entry and found two dogs unharmed inside.

"The residents were not home at the time of the incident. There were two dogs inside which were rescued by the fire crews and taken to the exterior. Then they found a small, but bothersome fire on the stovetop. Cardboard material had been left adjacent or next to the stove, and the stove was inadvertently left on and that, of course, ignited the combustible material, causing smoke throughout the building."

Although no major fire damage occurred, Rabel says the smoke itself caused plenty of damage.

"Smoke can be quite bothersome, as it gets into drapes and fabrics and such, so (there was) about $10,000 worth of damage. No real fire damage, but definitely some smoke damage."

Rabel reminds locals of the dangers of leaving appliances on.

"The Airdrie Fire Department reminds the public that kitchen fire remains one of the leading causes of fires in the home. It is important to be attentive and safe while cooking and to never leave a stove or oven unattended when in use. When leaving the home, ensure all cooking appliances have been turned off."

 

Comments? Questions? Story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com