Calgary fire crews tackle 2 afternoon fires in south end of city

Calgary fire crews responded to two afternoon fires in the south end of the city Thursday.

Calgary fire crews responded to two afternoon fires in the south end of the city Thursday. Around 1:45 p.m., crews responded to the 3000 block of Dover Ridge Drive S.E. for reports of a structure fire. They arrived to a home with light smoke showing and isolated the fire in the basement.

They identified the cause as lithium-ion batteries. As a result, they used a large dry chemical extinguisher to knock down the fire, which they determined was the result of renovation work being done and lithium-ion batteries that were left charging. No one was injured.

One person, a youth, went to a neighbours’ home to call 911. Because of the toxic smoke caused by the lithium-ion batteries, the occupants will be forced to temporarily stay with family members elsewhere. Around 3:30 p.m., crews responded to a second blaze -- this time a structure fire in the 1700 block of 26 Avenue S.W. Arriving crews discovered a low-rise residential complex with smoke showing.

There was smoke throughout the top floor and they helped residents get out along with their pets, while continuing to look for the fire. Two ladder trucks were set up to allow for roof access, with more engines called to the scene. The fire was discovered in the walls and ceiling of the top floor of the building and it extended through void spaces.

Firefighters conducted an extensive search before confirming that the fire was extinguished. Five people from two separate units were displaced, as their places were quite damaged. No injuries were reported, and all the pets were accounted for.

Calgarians are reminded that once a battery has charged to 100 per cent, it should be unplugged, and don’t charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch. Place it on a hard surface to allow airflow around it. Don’t charge batteries overnight.