A June 22 house fire that has impacted four Cochrane families continues to be under investigation.
Four townhomes on Sunrise View were impacted by the blaze that was reported around 2 a.m.
“We are still continuing our investigation, but the fire has been determined as not suspicious,” Fire Chief David Humphrey told the Eagle on the morning of June 24.
No injuries resulted from the house fire (cause yet to be determined) and all occupants (including pets) were able to safely exit their homes.
Cochrane Fire Services responded to the scene within eight minutes and 24 seconds; Rocky View County Fires Services were called to assist with the blaze and were on scene until around 4:30 a.m., until it was determined the fire was under control.
The two inner facing townhomes were the most heavily impacted by the fire (see photos).
The demising (fire) wall separating each townhome from their neighbour prevented the spread of the flames from the occupant space, but the flames did reach around the exterior of the outer townhouses, causing extensive smoke and water damage to both units.
Tim Descheneau, resident at 23 Sunrise View (one of the most heavily impacted homes), was vacationing in Markham, Ont. when he received the middle of the night call from his sister (who had been notified of the fire by the alarm company).
With their two cats in kennels while they were away, Descheneau (who flew home early) told the Eagle he was simply grateful nobody was injured — including pets.
“All four families will be displaced for some time,” said Humphrey, adding that it’s too early to comment on the rebuild of the units and the options that would be available for the families.
According to Mac de Beaudrap, senior manager of protective services for the town, two off-duty firefighters who live in the area were quick to respond and assist people out of their homes, which was a big assistance in ensuring there were no injuries.
A Facebook group ‘Sunset fire relief’ has been set up by the community in an effort to muster up some temporary relief for the families impacted by the fire.
“I don’t know the families personally, but I just took it upon myself to get something organized,” said site administrator Crystal Payant, a Heritage Hills resident and mother of two.
Payant said the group, which had 133 members within 24 hours of inception, has seen such offerings as clothing, gift cards and toys.
Those who wish to contribute can drop off donations at 235 Glenpatrick Drive on a red pad in the front yard; it is recommended that gift cards or monetary donations are not left outside but are left with the resident.
Holy Spirit Elementary School was accepting donations throughout the week, but will be unable to continue to do so due to school being closed for the summer holidays.
Payant said items for a toddler boy (size three) and for a 10-year-old girl (sizes 12-14) are also gratefully being received. Donations can also be left with Christopher Robin’s Childcare in town.
Cochrane firefighters will be donating $1,000 to the affected families.
Jared Wallace, president of the Cochrane Fire Fighters Association (IAFF Local 4819), remains concerned that Cochrane Fire Services will face serious issues with respect to keeping up with Cochrane’s rapid growth.
Cochrane has grown 23 per cent between 2013-2015. Sunset Ridge is the most heavily populated community with more than 4,000 residents.
“The town has seen rapid growth in recent years and the fire department has not grown at a similar rate,” said Wallace.
“In 2010, when the population was around 16,000, Cochrane operated a single fire engine with five people and occasionally a sixth person available at peak times. The fire department now operates with four or five people (following a growth of 40 per cent in five years).”
With 16 full time firefighters, two in fire prevention and 32 casual members, there are always four members on duty 24/7 with one casual member available to cover.
Humphrey explained that this is largely due to the mutual aid relationships with neighbouring fire departments (Rocky View County Fire Services and Redwood Meadows Emergency Services).
Wallace also expressed concerns that the building designed to be a firehouse (4 Sunset Square) continues to sit vacant, without staff or equipment, which will pose issues for fire response for the northern areas of Cochrane.
“There are plans to equip and staff that firehouse,” confirmed Humphrey, who was unable to confirm a timeline presently.
“It was always the plan to this community to have a full time fire station and to be supported by smaller firehouses,” he said, adding that a review is in the works with administration to establish a Fire Master Plan (an overarching guidance document) later this year.
Wallace said that community access has posed challenges for the fire department.
“This town is right in the crosshairs of two major highways with significant terrain challenges, a river and a set of train tracks…fires double in size every minute and the longer it takes for firefighters to reach the scene of an emergency the worse the damage from a fire will be.”
Wallace said Cochrane routinely fails to meet the time frames set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (the association that maintains the standards and codes for usage and adoption by local governments).
The standards recommend being able to send a fire truck within four minutes 90 per cent of the time; an initial full alarm assignment (16-20 firefighters) within eight minutes 90 per cent of the time.
“We may not yet be at a level that requires 20 on duty staff, but we have to be planning for the future and maintaining a sustainable and functional fire department.”
“We are Cochrane’s first line of defence. We are on duty 24/7/365 and all for less than the price of coffee per household per day. That’s a tremendous value to the taxpayer.”
