Red Deer Emergency Services have confirmed that a townhouse complex fire that happened late Friday evening was caused by careless youth.
“They were playing with a lighter that they found and managed to light some debris on fire outside the structures on the backside, which then extended to multiple buildings,” said Evan Stewart, assistant deputy chief of emergency services.
The fire caused significant damage to the rear of four townhomes located at 4251 54 Ave.
A nearby commercial building was also slightly damaged due to embers from a couple of the spruce trees that burned on the back of the townhomes.
Two members of the public were treated on scene for minor burn injuries and released by EMS.
Five fire engines and two ladder trucks responded to the call, which was due to a second alarm requested, asking for more help.
The first alarm request includes three engines, a ladder truck and a platoon chief right off the initial dispatch.
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