By Steve Hubrecht
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Swift reactions from Edgewater, Radium and Windermere firefighters and an Edgewater homeowner helped keep a blaze in a local basement contained.
At about 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Jun. 15, Edgewater fire department firefighters responded to a house fire in the 5700 block of Vermillion Street in Edgewater.
“The call came after a homeowner discovered smoke coming from their basement,” Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair told the Pioneer.
A total of eight firefighters from Edgewater soon arrived on scene and were then joined by five firefighters and an engine from the Radium Fire Department and four firefighters and an engine from the Windermere Fire Department.
“When we arrived, it was determined the fire originated in the basement. Thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of the firefighters, they were able to confine the fire to the basement and save the structure,” said Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Duty Chief Joss Advocaat. “The crews from all three departments did an excellent job working together on this call, and ensuring the fire didn’t spread.”
The firefighters sprayed water from hoses from the basement door, explained Sinclair, adding that “there were never flames evident from outside, but it was clear there was a fire in the building.”
Sinclair credited the homeowner with finding the fire quickly, calling for help right away, and then swiftly getting himself and his two dogs out of the home. “Early detection plus a quick response from the fire team meant a good result this time,” he said.
An emergency social services response, provided by the Canadian Red Cross, was activated and provided the homeowner with accommodation.
The cause of the fire “is still under investigation at this time,” Sinclair told the Pioneer.
