The Grande Prairie Fire Department is estimating $3.5 million in damage was caused by this morning’s fire in Crystal Lake Estates.
Platoon Chief Bart Johnson says that of the four homes affected, at least three are likely completely destroyed.
“Nice homes, there were several vehicles involved. And what a lot of people do not see at first glance is that several of the homes across the street have melted siding. So that is a significant dollar figure as well. And all of the contents as well. So it adds up quickly.”
Crews responded at 1:30 a.m. to find multiple homes already on fire, with flames spreading to homes on either side.
The flammable vinyl siding on the homes was a major factor in the blaze spreading, along with radiant heat from the size of the fire.
Everyone was able to escape from their homes, although one person was injured jumping out of a second storey window.