Latest news with #CalgaryFireDepartment
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
No injuries in fire at southeast Calgary building
The Calgary Fire Department was called to a fire in the Foothills Industrial Park at about 9:40 p.m. on July 14, 2025. The Calgary Fire Department is investigating after a late evening fire in the Foothills Industrial Park. At about 9:40 p.m., officials say a fire broke out at 3347 57 Ave. S.E. It was brought under control less than an hour later, but there was heavy smoke damage throughout the building. No one was hurt in the fire. Anyone with information, especially photos and video of the fire before CFD's arrival, is asked to contact piofire@
Global News
5 days ago
- Climate
- Global News
Calgarians clean up from intense storm that downed trees, flooded roads
Michael Allan probably had better plans for his Monday — but an intense, short-lived storm on Sunday night in his northwest Calgary community of Highwood changed all that. 'It was insane, how bad it was,' Allan said, remembering the toonie-sized hail he said he saw fall in his area just hours prior. 'There's one tree that completely fell down on one lady's gazebo — destroyed it. There's trees that are broken, (crews) had to come in last night using chainsaws.' During his morning walk through the neighbourhood, the sudden transformation was all around him. City of Calgary crews — both Parks and Water Services — were so busy on the ground on Monday they were unable to speak to Global News. The Calgary Fire Department was dispatched to 70 weather-related calls on Sunday evening alone, with most of them coming in a 95-minute span beginning around 8 p.m., a city spokesperson said. Story continues below advertisement Most were in relation to power lines brought down by trees, isolated flooding and alarms, the city said. While city-owned trees bore the brunt of the impact from Sunday's high winds, Calgary arborist Matthew Davis said residents should inspect everything on their property. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'If the tree has moved off-centre in the past 48 hours or so, and you see any kind of lifting or cracking in the soil on the off-side of that lean, that would definitely be cause for concern,' Davis, the owner of Adair Tree Care, said Monday. He added persistent rain in the forecast should also keep Calgarians on alert. 'The weight of the precipitation on the foliage is kind of maxed out… we can't see more of that,' Davis said. 'If we see more wind combined with the rain, we can see more problems arise — especially if the wind comes from a different direction or its a higher velocity.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If we see more wind combined with the rain, we can see more problems arise — especially if the wind comes from a different direction or its a higher velocity." About eight kilometres to the southeast of Highwood, Melva Dutallas said the storm only lasted for about 10 minutes in Albert Park-Raddison Heights area. But immediately after hearing the rain come down, she said her anxiety was starting to rise thinking back to a 2021 downpour that resulted in an insurance claim at her condo complex exceeding a million dollars. Story continues below advertisement '(Most of the water) isn't from our property, it's all around us. We're like a funnel here,' Dutalles, who sits on the Albert Park Station condo board, explained. Dutalles provided video to Global News showing rain coming down towards the complex's entrance from three directions, pooling at the street entrance and flowing through the parking lot. View image in full screen Localized flooding left water lapping at the front door of several condo buildings at the Albert Park Station complex on Sunday night. Ivan Pozihun / Supplied She said it's supposed to be collected at an adjacent park, but the two catch basins there quickly become overwhelmed. '(The city) already knows the problem really is the catch basin. It's not enough for all the residents around here,' Dutalles said. '(Crews) have helped out in terms of vacuuming the drainage system, but in terms of reviewing the infrastructure, nothing was done.' While the water on Sunday didn't reach 2021 levels and receded after several hours, Dutalles said residents in her complex worry about a similar situation to the 2021 event every time there's a hard rainfall. She says this is already the third time the parking lot has flooded in 2025. Story continues below advertisement 'We're really hard up in terms of financials. Our premium went so high because of that claim.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're really hard up in terms of financials. Our premium went so high because of that claim." With more rain in the forecast nearly every day in Calgary for the upcoming week, residents can only hope they won't be facing a similar mess in the days ahead.
Calgary Herald
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Firefighters association flags concern over apparatus shortage
Article content 'Clearly, we don't have enough fire apparatus to adequately protect Calgarians,' he said. 'Seconds matter in an emergency and without the proper equipment, our firefighters are stretched dangerously thin. Article content 'With a municipal election around the corner, we need local leaders to recognize public safety needs to be a priority.' Article content Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian said the current council has increased the CFD budget substantially since being elected in 2021, thanks to firefighters' previous advocacy for more resources before and after that election. Article content She pointed to council approving a $76-million increase to CFD's capital budget and $63 million more for the department's operating budget for the 2023-26 four-year budget. Article content Article content This spending allowed CFD to hire 200 additional firefighters and to add two medical response units, she said, as well as two temporary fire halls on the city's outskirts — one in Haskayne and one in Hotchkiss. Article content Less than two weeks ago, CFD and city officials cut the ribbon on a new $53-million fire station in Varsity, which also features affordable housing and a future space for a child-care facility. Article content But Mian, who is not running for re-election this year, noted that Calgary's growth since 2021 means more funding for the fire department will likely be necessary when the next council considers the 2027-30 budget cycle. Article content 'We recognize that as a growing city, we need to continue to fund the fire department well,' she said Monday. Article content Article content Mian also argued that fire response times in her ward were 17 seconds faster than the city average in 2024. She cited an annual report that of more than 2,500 priority responses in Ward 3 last year, 87 per cent met the response time target of seven minutes. Article content 'We've had really good firefighting service for the types of incidents we have had,' she said. 'I appreciate what (the firefighters' association is) saying, but I would assure people that we do have good coverage. Article content 'That said, as we continue to build out north of Stoney . . . we're going to have to keep investing.' Article content A statement from the fire department Monday said the tower truck for Station 31 experienced 'unexpected mechanical issues' that required it to temporarily be removed from service. The truck has been returned to the station 'with no impacts' to public safety. Article content 'The Calgary Fire Department's fleet of fire trucks and other apparatus is dynamically deployed across the city,' it said. 'Trucks move about depending on what is required to ensure fire response coverage and are sometimes subject to maintenance requirements.'
Calgary Herald
28-06-2025
- Climate
- Calgary Herald
Calgary Fire Department says to remain mindful of safety over Canada Day long weekend
Article content Calgarians are full-swing into their long weekend vacation plans, but the Calgary Fire Department asks everyone to remain mindful of their own safety over the next few days. Article content CFD public information officer Carol Henke said anyone at home should be aware of general fire safety after recent events that took place in Calgary. Article content Article content 'Tragically we had a house fire [on Thursday] that took the lives of a father and daughter, so fire prevention is very important,' Henke said. 'The fire is still under investigation so I can't speak on that specifically, but we do know that the most common cause for inside fires is cooking left unattended and cooking with oil.' Article content Article content Handling a grease fire Article content Article content In the event of a grease fire, Henke said it is important to follow a few simple steps to avoid any damages that can occur. Article content 'Put the lid on, turn off the heating element, and leave it,' she said. 'Where we see things go wrong is when people try to carry the burning pot of oil through the house or outside. The oil is hundreds of degrees and can cause severe damage. Article content 'Never put water on it. That will cause an explosion and quickly turn an easily extinguishable fire into a spreading fire.' Article content Homeowners should also take the time to check their fire and carbon monoxide alarms as an added safety measure, familiarize themselves with exits around their home, and develop a proper escape plan. Article content Article content Currently, there is no fire ban in place for Calgary. Henke said residents should always check the City of Calgary's website to see if restrictions change. Article content Article content 'We have had a lot of rain here, so we are good for moisture,' she said. Article content For anyone with a backyard firepit, Henke said to never leave it unattended, adding that firepits require spark guards. She adds that an extinguishing method like a connected hose or a bucket of water should be readily available if needed. Article content 'Only burn clean, dry, seasoned wood,' she said. 'We've responded to fires where people tried to burn yard waste, construction waste, and I even attended a fire years ago where someone tried to burn drywall. Article content 'So, do not burn things that should not be burned in a fire pit because it is a hazard and it creates stinky smoke that's going to be annoying for your neighbours.'
CTV News
28-06-2025
- CTV News
‘Inherent risks to all parts of the river': Officials urge caution while floating the Bow and Elbow
This weekend kicks off the busiest time of year for aquatic rescues in Calgary, and officials want anyone floating the Bow or Elbow to be extra cautious. As July approaches, the Calgary Fire Department water rescue team is expecting a busy month ahead. Officials want anyone floating the Bow or Elbow to be extra cautious—wear a life jacket and don't drink or smoke cannabis. 'It's not top of mind for a lot of people, so that's why every year we want to remind people about the dangers,' said Carol Henke, public information officer for the Calgary Fire Department. Aquatic safety experts say the Bow and Elbow rivers, even during summer heat, can see flow and temperature variations very quickly. 'There's inherent risks to all parts of the river,' said Alex Kwan, community safety officer for the Calgary Fire Department. Kwan says the busiest stretch of the Bow River begins at the Shouldice boat launch and goes through to Harvie Passage in Inglewood, especially where there are bridge crossings. 'What we see is people get into trouble by getting pushed by the current against any of the bridge pillars,' said Kwan. The risks on the water are high. Since 2016, there have been 29 fatalities. Last July, there were four deaths on the water—higher than the average. Wearing a life jacket is not only life-saving—it's the law. Failure to wear one could result in a $500 fine. This weekend kicks off the busiest time of year for aquatic rescues in Calgary, and officials want anyone floating the Bow or Elbow to be extra cautious. This weekend kicks off the busiest time of year for aquatic rescues in Calgary, and officials want anyone floating the Bow or Elbow to be extra cautious. Calgary police say booze and cannabis should only be consumed where it's safe and legal on dry land. 'We don't want to see any tragedies. We've seen enough in the past,' said Acting Insp. Kurt Jacobs. There will be an increased presence of police and peace officers along the shoreline, not just for enforcement, but also for education. 'We want you to have fun on the waterways, but we want you to be safe and we want you to get home at the end of the day,' said Acting Sgt. Mark Smith. Emergency officials recommend having a plan. The rules on the water are the same as on the road. Alcohol or cannabis consumption is not allowed. If you are impaired, you can be charged—just as you would as an impaired driver behind the wheel. Police officers say not everyone might be aware of this.
