On Saturday January 8, 2022, at 02:38hrs the Olds Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 182 Balsam Crescent, Olds.
The fire was reported by a neighbour who was preparing for out-of-town travel and smelled smoke and investigated the area. Without that action, this fire may have gone unnoticed until it spread to the home with occupants sleeping inside.
The reported fire in the backyard area was determined to be a chicken coop attached to the deck of the residential property. Smoke and flames were visible upon arrival of fire personnel.
OFD responded with two engines, and two command units. A total of 14 firefighters were on scene for approximately 1 hour. The fire was quickly knocked down and held with a fire extinguisher utilized by a responding chief officer, and completely extinguished in approximately 16 minutes from the time of call.
The Olds Fire Department would like to thank the neighbour who investigated and made the 911 call as the outcome would have been significantly different if action had not been taken when it was.
There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters during this incident and damage was limited to the coop and deck area only. The occupants were able to resume use of their home within the hour and alternative housing was found for the chickens that were displaced. Unfortunately, two chickens perished because of the fire.
The cause of this fire is considered accidental in nature and no damage estimates have been made as of yet.
Read the official News Release
For more information contact:
Justin Andrew
Fire Chief
403-507-4850
jandrew@olds.ca