(rdnewsNOW)

By Sheldon Spackman

West Park Fire

Two taken to hospital following early morning fire in Red Deer

Mar 31, 2022 | 1:02 PM

Two people are in hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after an early morning basement fire in Red Deer on Thursday.

Jon Evans, Assistant Deputy Chief, Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES), says crews were called to the scene near 39 Street and 54 Avenue in West Park around 3:20 a.m.

“Crews arrived, not much showing on the outside,” says Evans. “This was a single family home with three suites. I believe the call came in from tenants on the main floor suite. It was a report of fire in the basement.”

Evans notes, however, crews did have difficulty gaining access to the basement suite but once inside, found a small fire in the kitchen area and two victims.

“Crews worked to extricate the victims and transported them to Red Deer Regional Hospital,” shares Evans. “They were then further transported to Edmonton.”

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He notes the fire was not on the kitchen stove, and investigators are still looking into the cause. Red Deer RCMP are also investigating.

Although he does not have a damage estimate at this time, Evans suggests damage to the unit is likely minimal.

He says seven occupants were displaced altogether and Red Cross was called in to assist.

“Until RCMP and the fire investigator have conducted their investigation, all tenants are displaced,” explains Evans. “I believe there were two in the basement, four on the main floor and one upstairs. There was also another individual on the main floor that was spending the night, so eight total.”