A family of nine is now homeless in northeast Calgary after their home was gutted by fire on Thursday morning.
At about 3 a.m., crews were called to a home on Covehaven Gardens N.E.
A neighbour called 911 after they noticed the garage of the home on fire.
By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the fire had spread to the home.
They were able to contain the blaze and all the residents of the home, a mother and six of her kids, aged seven to teenaged, managed to get out safely.
The father and another child were not home at the time of the fire.
Officials say it was a challenge to deal with. "The flames had already vented, so we had to do an interior attack to knock down the fire," said CFD Battalion Chief Stu Laird. "It did get into some floor space, so it was a challenge to put out."
Neighbours who rushed to the scene said they were very concerned for the family's safety. "We heard a bunch of screaming. We were sleeping, of course. My wife ran out to the bonus room and saw the flames," said Perry Sipos. "We were in shock, in panic mode, get the kids and find the dog."
Officials say the upgraded alarm system in the home, which sent an automatic notification to 911 dispatchers, also awoke the family and got them out before the fire claimed the home.
The home sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire, but investigators are still waiting for it to be completely doused before making a full assessment.
The whole family is now homeless, but neighbours in the close-knit community have already started collecting to help the victims.
