A fire that left significant damage to a business and a propane tank explosion in a City neighbourhood have left fire crews busy in recent days.

Just after midnight on July 12th, Red Deer Emergency Services Dispatch Centre received a call reporting a structure fire at Bay 160, 6040 47 Ave., the building that Window Masters operates out of.

An alarm company notified the owner of the building who then called 911. When Emergency Services crews arrived, there was heavy smoke coming from the overhead door. The fire was put out shortly after crews arrived, but the building sustained severe smoke and fire damage.

The fire is suspected to be accidental, with damage estimated at over $100,000. There were no occupants in the building at the time.

“There is some damage from the actual fire itself but a lot of the damage to the building was caused by smoke and soot,” said Wes Van Bavel, the City’s fire prevention officer, adding the initial response included 15 firefighters. “Our crews were there within six minutes of the call and they were able to knock down the fire fairly quickly.”

In addition, City of Red Deer Emergency Services crews responded to a reported explosion at 37 Nagel Ave. in Red Deer at 10:30 a.m. on July 15th.

The explosion involved a rented moving vehicle which was located near a residential property. Fire investigators are on the scene and it appears a propane tank and barbecue located in the truck may have been the source of the explosion.

There is damage to six surrounding properties and one male was transported to Red Deer Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police continue to investigate.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com