Firefighters tackled a residential fire in a mobile home park in Coaldale on September 11, 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Two homes damaged in Coaldale fire

Sep 13, 2024 | 1:27 PM

COALDALE, AB – Firefighters are asking the public to be more careful as a fun night out by the fire pit turned into much more.

Coaldale & District Emergency Services (CDES) was called to a structure fire in the Garden Grove Mobile Home Park at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

Director of Protective Services Clayton Rutberg says the fire pit reignited overnight after being used that evening.

The fire pit was reportedly too close to a garden shed, which led to the flames spreading to two mobile homes and a second garden shed.

Rutberg says the fire entered the interior of one of the homes and damaged a large part of the structure, while a neighbouring building suffered damage to its exterior.

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Damages are estimated at $75,000. Nobody was hurt.

He highlighted the importance of dousing fires with water multiple times and to ensure that everything in the pit gets sufficiently wet. People are supposed to ensure the pit and all of its contents are completely cool to the touch before leaving.

Rutberg adds that, in Coaldale, bylaws mandate that fire pits be kept at least 10 feet away from homes, fences and other structures.

More information on fire safety can be found on the CDES website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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