2 houses in Fort Saskatchewan destroyed by fire

Two houses were destroyed by fire Monday afternoon in Fort Saskatchewan.

Firefighters were called at around 3 p.m.

“Crews arrived on scene in about five minutes’ time to find the roof of both homes engulfed in flames,” Fort Saskatchewan Fire Chief Shawn McKerry said. “Quickly and diligently, they worked fast with some help from Strathcona County and were able to get the fire under control in about 90 minutes’ time.”

Roughly 20 homes in the “immediate area surrounding 89 Street and 94-95 Avenue” were evacuated “for their safety until the incident is fully under control,” RCMP said. Traffic was blocked on 89 Street and people were asked to stay away.

As of 5:45 p.m., the fire was out and traffic was back to normal in the area.

RCMP said no one was seriously injured. Officials said one homeowner tried to put out the fire with a garden hose and burned his hands.

“Everyone was able to evacuate the home safely before the fire department arrived, which was very good,” McKerry said. “The fire department was able to rescue one cat from one of the homes.”

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One cat was still missing.

“It’s suspected that both homes have heavy damage to them… One is more significantly damaged on the inside than the other one, but both did suffer large amounts of damage.”

Fire investigators believe the fire started in a shed behind one of the homes and flammable gas, paint and tires in the shed acted as accelerants.

“Initial impressions indicate to us the fire started on the outside of the home, in between the two homes and that’s what we believe… caused it to spread so fast between one and the other home,” McKerry said.

RCMP said Tuesday preliminary information suggests there will not be a criminal investigation.

“This was a great team effort between all first responders,” RCMP Sgt. Mike McCreedy said. “We’re so glad to be able to report that no one was seriously injured and we appreciate the assistance from the public while we responded to this incident.”

Fort Saskatchewan is about 30 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.

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