By Matt Nemeth

Homes in Southridge destroyed by early evening fire

Jun 10, 2017 | 10:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — An early evening fire in Southridge Saturday has completely destroyed one home and caused significant damage to two others.

Deputy Fire Chief Lance Purcell says they received a call shortly before 5 pm for a single structure fire in the 300 block of Sprague Way SE.

“On route it got updated to two buildings on fire,” said Purcell. “When we arrived one building was fully involved, the second one had fire in the attic spaces.”

High winds during the initial inferno caused a third house across the street to catch fire, which was first noticed by an alert Medicine Hat police officer.

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“One of the constables spotted the third house and we were able to get lines on it quickly,” Purcell said after thanking MHPS for their help.

People were home at all three houses when the fires broke out but no one was injured. All of the pets that were inside the homes were able to escape as well.

“The neighbours spotted it (the fire) and pounded on doors which was fantastic, got the people out, the people didn’t hesitate, they didn’t stop to go back in and pick up stuff, they just got out and that was needed because these fires moved fast,” Purcell said.

Five engines and two ladder trucks responded to the call and a total recall of any available firefighter was enacted.

“When the third house lit we called in everybody,” said Purcell.

Fire investigators could be seen inspecting the homes once the flames were brought under control. Purcell says they suspect which house the fire originated in, but they want to do some further analysis before making that confirmation.

The deputy fire chief adds he’s proud of the job his men did in preventing any further homes from catching fire.

“It was a wind-driven fire, the guys did a fantastic job of getting ahead of it.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and victim services as well as the Red Cross have been called in to help those who have been displaced.