Flames lit up the sky in Blackfalds last night as a fire consumed two mobile homes.

Blackfalds Volunteer Fire crews responded shortly after 10 to the mobile home park just off Highway 2A and Gregg Street.

Fire Chief Robert Côté explains the call as it came through dispatch.

“The initial call when it came in was two mobile homes on fire with people trapped. When crews arrived on scene it was confirmed that no one was inside the structures, everyone got out safely, and it was two fully involved mobile homes, in the older trailer park”.

24 Firefighters were on the scene, including a crew from Lacombe.

Côté says they were definitely presented with a few challenges.

“Extremely close together and the age of the mobile homes didn’t help. Proximity to each other with all the bystanders that had drawn, trying to pull people away from the scene and try to get in with the fire trucks is also a challenge for the Fire Department”.

The two units were destroyed in the blaze, but the crews were able to contain the fire to the original two homes, with some minimal damage to neighbouring units.

In terms of how the fire started, Côté says they'll be returning to the scene today to continue their investigation.

“We’re going to treat it as a suspicious fire until our investigation deems otherwise. We have witness statements to do, talk to the neighbours that called it in, get their statements and some photographs and pictures so we can try and pinpoint the origin of the fire”.

There is no immediate concern for the safety of nearby residents from smoke or debris as a result of this fire, the fire department said in a release sent out later in the day. However, for public safety concerns, residents are asked to stay clear of the site while the investigation is ongoing.

The Town of Blackfalds opened up the Community Hall to residents affected by the fire, and the Red Cross helped by providing accommodations at the Blackfalds Microtel Inn and Suites.

Pets were also temporarily relocated by Klassic Kennels at their facility.

If you are interested in helping out or donating items, you can contact Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) at 403-600-9066.

At this time, FCSS will not be taking donations, but will be keeping an inventory of people with an interest in providing support.

(Photo Courtesy of Mandy Walter)