StettlerLocal.com November 26, 2020 @ 1:08pm
*Update November 27, 2020 @ 8:32am - error corrected in original post as fire was northeast of Stettler, not northwest.
Shortly after 9:30 am on Thursday, November 26th, 2020, emergency crews were dispatched to a mobile home fire on an acreage just northeast of Stettler.
A call from a neighbour alerted 911 dispatch to the fire, which occurred while the residents were at work for the day. Trapped inside were two dogs and four or five cats, with one of the dogs locked inside a kennel within the home. When the residents arrived on scene they did their best to locate and extract the pets, but unfortunately, homeowners on location confirmed that a dog and a cat were found to perish in the blaze despite their efforts.
A large cache of ammunition stored in the home was of particular concern to firefighters when it began to explode due to the extreme heat and flames inside the dwelling. Care had to be taken to ensure the safety of the crews on scene while balancing effectively containing the fire.
The trailer, which was partially engulfed when Stettler Regional Fire & Rescue arrived on scene, didn't take long to become fully enraged as Big Valley's Tender Unit was requested to assist with the ongoing situation. Smoke billowed from the single level structure in thick black clouds obscuring visibility in the immediate area and easily seen from a distance.
Sparks could be observed from a transformer on scene as personnel worked feverishly to extinguish the flames and avoid damage to neighbouring properties and other surrounding infrastructure.
By 11:00 am firefighters had the scene under control as they continued working to extinguish hot spots and ensure there was no possibility of flare ups occurring.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
