A fire in Cochrane's Heartland community on Thursday evening damaged several homes, displacing multiple residents. The blaze, which affected six multi-family units, was extinguished by emergency crews, and no injuries were reported.
Fire Response and Rescue
Cochrane Fire Services responded to the structural fire at 7:05 p.m., urging residents to avoid the area while crews worked to control the flames. The bulk of the fire was brought under control by 8:45 p.m., with crews remaining on scene through the night to monitor for any hot spots.
During the response, firefighters rescued a cat from one of the affected homes. The animal received oxygen using a pet rescue mask and was transported to a veterinary clinic for further care.
Support for Displaced Residents
Representatives from Cochrane Family and Community Support Services and Cochrane Victim Services were on site to assist displaced residents. The Canadian Red Cross also stepped in to provide support to those affected by the fire.
Mayor Morgan Nagel expressed sympathy for the impacted families, stating, "Our hearts go out to those families and individuals affected by this fire. On behalf of the community, I want to thank our emergency responders, Town teams and partner agencies for responding so quickly and working together to keep people safe. I also want to recognize the strength and compassion shown by our community in supporting those impacted."
Investigation Underway
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire. Multiple fire departments assisted in the suppression efforts, including the Calgary Fire Department, Rocky View County Fire Services, and Redwood Meadows Fire Department.
The Town of Cochrane released a statement acknowledging the significant impact on residents, noting the damage to several homes and the displacement of individuals and families. The community has rallied together to support those affected during this challenging time.
