BARRHEAD-The Barrhead Regional Fire Services (BRFS) had a busy July 11 and 12 weekend being called out to two structure fires. The first being in the Tiger Lily area at about 3:30 p.m. When firefighters arrived they found an outbuilding, a metal Quonset on fire.
Although the firefighters were able to save much of the contents of the building, unfortunately, the structure itself was a write-off.
BRFS deputy chief Ted Amos said the fire was a challenge.
"The fire had gotten in between the walls and the metal casing of the building which means it you can't fight it from the outside because the water beads off the metal and can't get to the fire itself," he said.
As a result, firefighters did their best to get at the fire from the inside until a hoe type excavator helped them punch access holes in the outside metal shell. The BFRS was assisted by firefighters from Fort Assiniboine who not only provided extra manpower but equipment, in the form of a water tanker.
The BFRS was also called out to a structure fire on 47th Street area in the Town of Barrhead at about 12:30 a.m. When firefighters arrived, Amos said they found a small shop on fire behind a residence "punching out a window".
However, he said the command vehicles were quickly able to get it under control, noting they each have a small attack water tank. Shortly after the rest of the crew arrived to help mop up.
Amos added the cause of both fires are still under investigation, but foul play isn't expected.
