By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Single family home gutted by fire in Barnwell

Sep 29, 2016 | 9:35 PM

BARNWELL – A young family was left homeless after a fire Thursday afternoon gutted their home in the village of Barnwell, just west of Taber.

The Taber fire department responded to the call just after 4:00 and was assisted by the Vauxhaul fire department, an EMS team and Taber RCMP.  A total of 18 to 20 firefighters were on scene.

Taber Fire Chief Steve Munshaw confirmed the fire began in the home’s garage, where fire crews attempted to contain the blaze.  However, flames eventually spread up into the structure’s double roof, making it difficult to fight.

Firefighters had to cut into the exterior roof to gain access to fight the fire.

Munshaw said it was too early to determine an exact cause or damage estimate.  However, he noted the home was in the process of being renovated and there were flammable items being stored in the garage.

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The couple who were living in the home with their two young children were able to exit safely and will be staying with family.  There were no injuries reported.

Just before 5:30, the M.D. of Taber issued a Water Supply Alert through Alberta Emergency Alert, advising Village residents to avoid using water, as the house fire had put demand on the water system.