The Calgary Fire Department says two people were home when a fire broke out in one half of a duplex in the northeast community of Whitehorn Friday afternoon.
“We don’t know yet how it started and exactly where it originated,” spokesperson Carol Henke said. “But the good news is that the smoke alarm alerted these two people to the fact that there was a fire and so that really help them get out in a timely manner.”
Henke said the house on Whitlock Place N.E. was destroyed by the flames, which sparked just before 3:45 p.m.
Five adjacent homes were evacuated, but there was no more than minor heat damage to any neighbouring homes.
Two people were assessed by paramedics but were not taken to hospital.
Henke said one cat was rescued after being found in a tree next to the home, but two other cats remain unaccounted for.
Anyone with information or photos is asked to email the fire department at piofire@calgary.ca.