The Calgary Fire Service was called to the scene along Martin Crossing Way NE at about 10:30 a.m. for fire reports.
Officials say as firefighters headed to the scene, it was clear more equipment was needed to help.
“A second alarm was called to ensure adequate resources due to the volume of smoke and fire visible from a great distance,” the CFD said in a statement.
“The first appliance on scene reported a fire involving two separate single-family residences. Upon arrival, immediate efforts were made to control the fire through an aggressive exterior fire attack, transitioning to an interior fire attack to ensure they were able to reach headquarters of the fire in both houses”.
Dhruba Niraula lives across the street and said he was sleeping when the fire broke out.
“One of my daughters called me and said, ‘Dad, dad, there’s a fire!’ I was ready to leave with my important documents,” he told CTV News.
Niraula and his family moved into the neighborhood a few months ago.
He said he feared for the safety of his three children and his wife.
“The fire was burning, I thought it would come to my house because it was so close,” he said.
Esperanceal Fani also lives in the neighborhood and said the situation left her feeling bad.
“I felt a little scared and worried about the people living in those houses and I wanted to make sure they were OK and safe and sound,” he said.
Homes sustained significant damage, but no one appears to have been injured.
Eleven adults and two children, the occupants of both houses, have been forced out for the time being.
Niraula didn’t know his neighbors before this, but decided to invite them in to offer some help in a difficult situation.
“What kind of help they want to get from me, I’m always ready to help them,” he said.
An investigation into the cause is ongoing. Anyone with photos or video of this fire, prior to the fire department’s arrival, is asked to email them to [email protected]
