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UPDATE: Abasand blaze destroys four homes, damages four others

John Knox. Abasand Blaze - April 13, 2015. Roy Lane. STAFF PHOTO

(Photo: The homes destroyed in this mornings Roy Lane blaze in Abasand, April 13, 2015. John Knox / REPORTER)

An early morning fire has completely destroyed four homes and three detached garages.

No one was injured, although one family dog perished in the blaze.

The Fort McMurray Fire Department received the call at 12:51 a.m., the first truck arrived on scene nine minutes later.

Once the fire department arrived on scene two houses were already completely engulfed in flames.

Four more homes have superficial damage, while even more houses near the fire have damage from radiant heat.

Five garages were caught in the blaze, three of which are complete losses.

Three vehicles and a fifth-wheel were also severely damaged.

“Significant winds were a major contributor to last night’s fire spread in Abasand. Crews worked hard throughout the night, and now our focus shifts to the fire investigation,” said Darby Allen, Regional Fire Chief.

27 firefighters worked through the night to containe the fire.

“I couldn’t go out the front door because the front of the neighbours house was in complete flames so I went out the back door. The neighbour was out there and that was it,” says one victim who wishes to remain anonymous. “Within 40 minutes two of the houses were completely engulfed, ours wasn’t affected immediately. It happened probably 15-20 minutes into the fire, then our house just went up as well.”

The blaze was considered under control near 5:30 a.m.

“It’s just a mess up here, but I do want to say that I’ve heard about someone starting a fund for clothing and there’s go fund me things going. We all appreciate it. Myself I’ve got a pair of shoes, a pair of pants, a hoodie and my phone. We’re all still alive, that’s the best part,” added the victim.

Mounties conducted an evacuation of the area with help from Victim Services and Emergency Social Services.

“I think it’s fair to say that everyone worked very well together at the scene, we take pride in that,” said Darby. “I’ve been to many fires in my time and with this fire we’re very lucky that we held it at four [homes lost], it could’ve very easily been eight or ten.

A go-fund-me account for the families who lost everything was created by local radio host, Pete Potipcoe and as of this broadcast, the total raised is over $24,000 including in person donations made at the radio station. You can donate here.  A huge thanks to all who have contributed.

With files from John Knox