A fire that levelled a Westlock garage last week is not considered to be suspicious, says fire chief Stuart Koflick.
In the early evening hours of Feb. 6 Westlock fire fighters responded to the scene of the garage fire on 106 St. and 103 Ave.
“We were dispatched to a portable structure fire… at about 7:26 p.m. We responded with two engines and a rescue command unit. On scene crews found a garage at that location fully engulfed in the fire,” said Koflick.
“The cause of the fire itself is still under investigation, but I can say right now that it’s not suspicious in nature.”
Neither the occupants of the home, or the 11 firefighters who responded were injured.
However, two nearby vehicles sustained serious damage along with a side-by-side in the garage that was completely destroyed.
“The occupants did try to move two of the vehicles and they were successful in moving one. Unfortunately the truck sustained quite a bit of damage,” said Koflick.
The homeowners were evacuated from the house and neighbours were notified of the situation, said Koflick. Firefighters had the blaze contained within 30 minutes.
Firefighters were able to leave the scene shortly after 9:30 p.m.
Although it doesn’t apply to this particular incident, Koflick reminds homeowners that under the town’s utility bylaw they are required to shovel out fire hydrants to make for easy access for the fire department should they require it.
“I have noticed around town that there are some hydrants that could use a little maintenance. That certainly does help us in the event that we do have to respond. It’s tough enough to find the hydrant at night, but when it’s buried in snow that’s another issue,” he said.
