Subscribe to the 100% free rdnewsNOW daily newsletter!
(Image Credit: Supplied)
one person seriously injured

Fire destroys multiple homes in Benalto

Apr 24, 2026 | 11:01 AM

Fire tragically destroyed multiple mobile homes in the hamlet of Benalto this week.

Benalto is about 14 km west of Sylvan Lake, and just south off of Hwy 11.

Red Deer County Fire Chief Drayton Bussiere says crews were dispatched around 12:20 a.m. early this past Monday morning to the mobile home park known as Kountry Meadows.

“What happened was there was an explosion in the original property, and that resulted in pretty significant damage to one other trailer, plus more to three others; so five total were damaged,” Busierre shares.

“Three people were inside the property where the fire started. STARS flew one to Edmonton with significant burns. One was taken to Red Deer Hospital, and the third was uninjured.”

Bussiere says two of the homes were destroyed, and the others have varying degrees of damage; he’s unsure which will remain livable.

“We suspect this was natural gas-related, but the official cause is still under investigation,” he adds.

He says it’s too early to say whether it was human-error or another issue.

Sylvan Lake Fire Department responded first, as they cover Benalto for Red Deer County, which had fire engines of its own arrive shortly thereafter. In total, six engines were on scene, and most crews were able to leave by 5:30 a.m.

Investigators remain on scene.

“These are tough things for people to deal with, and we’re asking people to respect the privacy of those involved. Please avoid the area,” Bussiere says.

He also notes that displaced people were offered assistance from Red Deer County FCSS.