Crews respond to fire at westside apartment complex

By Lethbridge Herald on July 15, 2022.

Lethbridge Fire and EMS were called to a residential fire at the Westhaven Estates Friday evening. Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman  – Lethbridge Herald  – apulido@lethbridgeherald.com 

Lethbridge Fire and EMS were called to a residential fire at the Westhaven Estates in the westside of the city Friday. There was no injuries and people were able to go back to their units within approximately an hour after being evacuated. 

Platoon chief Shawn Folk said they received couple of calls regarding smoke and a possible structure fire, which required a five station response. 

“That’s the normal response when we have a multi-person dwelling, and upon arrival we did see some smoke, it was confirmed smoke, which usually indicates that there is a working fire,” said Folk. 

He said that upon arrival multiple people were evacuated, some more able than others so they shelter in place those who were unable to evacuate and all animals were also evacuated. 

“The sprinklers did their job and they activated in the room that was the point of origin and put the fire out. We also charged our lines because we don’t go into a building with uncharged lines, and so that’s our protection not only to fight the fire or for search and rescue, but also for our protection in case we had to retreat in any fire or any scenario where it doesn’t become attainable as far as fire suppression,” said Folk. 

He said the fire was out and there is some water damage, probably more water damage than there is smoke or fire damage.

“There is a smell of smoke, the people in the occupancy of where the main fire was probably won’t be able to stay there tonight,” said Folk. 

He said the fire cleanup crew was notified and, on their way, shortly after the fire was out. 

“We had to shut the sprinkler system down in order for the water to stop flowing, and so we’ll have to do a fire watch for this building. Chief on call has been notified, no firefighters were injured and no tenants were injured during this process,” said Folk. 

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