By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles and Tristan Tuckett - @TristanTuckett and Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs @morrittjacobs

Improperly Discarded Cigarette Causes SunRidge Blaze

Apr 6, 2016 | 7:44 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Fire investigators have determined that the improper disposal of a cigarette was to blame for the destruction of three homes along SunRidge Boulevard West.

Fire investigators credit witness statements along with physical evidence in reaching their conclusion for the cause and origin of the fire. 

Fire Marshall Heath Wright, says residents were lucky to have made it out safely as high winds spread the fire quickly.

“With 17 members to deal with the wind conditions and how quickly it spread because of the property of the materials, our firefighters really did a fantastic job,” Wright Said. 

When firefighters arrived on scene just before 7pm on Wednesday evening, two homes were fully involved and the fire quickly spread to a third home due to high winds and heat.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 26, 2024

7h ago

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

Deputy Fire Chief Dana Terry spoke of the importance of quick response in wind conditions, “We used aerial devices to slow it [the fire] as a third house was being impinged. They were able to getting water on the fire and slow it down to save the rest of the block.”

Occupants of all three homes have been accounted for. Three people were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation and one of them was also treated for burns.

Two other homes were damaged extensively and several others sustained heat and smoke damage. 

Wright alluded to the challenges that arise in new developments with houses built in tight proximity to one another. 

“We know that the way houses are built with the items that we are using [houses] burn faster they burn hotter. There’s a lot less time people have to leave the houses, so it’s incredible that people were able to get out and save themselves.”

Last night, as crews fought to contain the blaze, a large crowd of onlookers stood downwind in the smoke watching the fire.

Terry said that he wanted to remind the public that the smoke is carcinogenic and fire fighters are the only personnel equipped with breathing masks.

Total damage from the fire is estimated at $2 million.

No charges are expected to be laid as the fire was accidental.