A two-alarm fire in the Taradale neighborhood of northeast Calgary on Saturday evening resulted in two individuals being hospitalized with serious injuries. The Calgary Fire Department received reports of the fire shortly before 5 p.m. in the 100 block of Taradale Close NE. Firefighters arrived to find significant flames and smoke coming from two single-family homes, prompting a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.

District Fire Chief Dave Nelson reported that there was a "huge volume of fire" upon arrival. He noted that both homes were heavily involved in flames, which spread rapidly. Fire crews managed to rescue two adults from the basement suite of one of the homes. Emergency Medical Services transported them to the Foothills Medical Centre, where they were treated for critical but non-life-threatening injuries.

The fire was brought under control within approximately 45 minutes. However, the damage was extensive, leaving ten residents displaced from their homes. A neighboring property sustained minor exterior damage. Fire investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the fire, which is believed to have started outside, possibly between the two homes.

In light of this incident, the Calgary Fire Department is reminding residents of the importance of fire safety. They advise ensuring smoke alarms are installed on every level of a home and outside all sleeping areas. Residents should test smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries annually, and keep combustible materials away from the exterior of homes. Additionally, having a practiced home escape plan is recommended to enhance safety in case of a fire.