Two Calgary homes ‘significantly damaged’ in northwest fire

Two northwest Calgary homes were significantly damaged when fire broke out just before 5:00 a.m. Saturday in the community of Evanston.

Neighbours called 911 to report the fire in the 100 block of Evansmeade Common N.W.

When crews arrived, they discovered flames engulfing two houses and quickly called a second alarm to get more resources to the scene.

Nine people, including six children and three adults, were safely evacuated from the burning homes.

Three neighbouring houses sustained minor heat damage.

John Gabriel-Omesah has lived in one of the destroyed homes since January. He said he quickly got his children out, called 911 and began alerting his neighbours.

“Going to the neighbour’s house, I’m banging on their door to just come out of their house, because I thought it was going to take from my house to the next house, to the next house,” Gabriel-Omesah said.

His daughter, Blessing, said she was scared and confused, leaving everything behind but a blanket.

“I started crying. Me and my little sister, she’s just … 11 and just started crying. My mom was like, OK, it’s OK, you should just move.”

The fire was so hot, it damaged five other nearby homes.

“With that large volume of fire, you get radiant heat which impacts the houses adjacent as well, so large amounts of siding melting off the houses that are adjacent as well and so I believe those people will be displaced as well,” said Gordon Best, Calgary Fire North District Chief.

Investigators remained on the scene Saturday to determine the cause, while fire crews kept an eye on any hot spots.

This fire comes less than 24 hours after four homes were severely damaged by fire about two kilometres north on Evansglen Close.

The Calgary Fire Department is asking anyone with photos, video or information regarding this fire, especially prior to CFD’s arrival on the scene, to email piofire@calgary.ca

With files from Craig Momney, Global News