(Photo: Rob Raincock)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

no one hurt

Fire destroys two homes in Lancaster

May 2, 2020 | 9:28 AM

Two families have been displaced after fire tore through their homes in Red Deer’s Lancaster neighourhood late Friday night.

Around nine people, including children, all got out safely from the two homes. Two dogs were also saved, though one cat, sadly, was not.

In addition to the destroyed homes on Lancaster Drive, a garage at one of the residences was also ablaze when 25 Red Deer Emergency Services members arrived just after 11 p.m.

“We also evacuated a couple neighbouring homes and those people were allowed to return later on,” says Deputy Chief Chris Kearns. “The flames were quite high and it was quite involved.”

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Kearns says they’re unsure as of yet on the cause of the fire, but it appears the fire may have began at the rear of the home at 215 Lancaster Drive, before spreading to 213. There was additional heat damage to the exterior of surrounding homes.

RDES continues to investigate.

Kearns couldn’t comment on what appears to be a ‘fire tornado’ in the image above.

“We’ve got an engine checking on the house throughout the day on Saturday, so that will going back and forth to check on hot spots.”

A GoFundMe has been set up for each of the families here and here.