Calgary fire crews were called to a two-alarm blaze in the southeast community of New Brighton on Tuesday afternoon that left three homes heavily damaged.
Crews were called to a home on Brightoncrest Heights S.E. at about 1:00 p.m. Tuesday for reports of a fire.
A second alarm was called in when crews arrived because of the size of the fire and the heavy smoke.
Three homes were damaged extensively but crews managed to keep the fire from spreading further.
People were evacuated from 16 homes and others were asked to stay inside because of air quality concerns.
"The wind definitely takes the smoke towards unimpacted homes which is why we're wearing these masks to protect us from that smoke. Smoke from house fires is very toxic, full of all sorts of chemicals, which is why we always wear our personal protective equipment on scene," said Carol Henke from the Calgary Fire Department.
There were no injuries reported and officials say the fire in now under control.
Investigators are at the scene trying to determine the cause of the blaze and crews are keeping an eye out for hot spots.
