Large fires destroy homes in Airdrie and Bearspaw, north of Calgary

Two large blazes north of the city have destroyed a home in Bearspaw and two more in Airdrie, but all residents have escaped to safety, officials said.

"We lost one large house to the fire, and we're trying to make sure we don't lose two," said Rocky View County's fire chief Gary Barnett, from the scene of the fire in the Watermark development at Bearspaw, near Tuscany.

The resident, who reported the fire, escaped unharmed, he said.

The blaze broke out around 7 p.m. Friday, and crews were called in from Elbow, Springbank and Bearpaw.

"Basically all our resources from Rocky View are out here," Barnett said.

The neighbouring home sustained some light damage, but was still habitable, he added.

Airdrie blaze

Meanwhile in Airdrie, a large fire in the Woodside neighbourhood has destroyed two homes and left one partially damaged.

One resident shared video of the fire, saying she heard "horrible sounds of the house collapsing."

All occupants of the homes are safe, according to the City of Airdrie.

A reception centre is being set up at Genesis Place for those who need accommodation.

Parts of Woodside Boulevard and Veterans Boulevard were closed as fire trucks battled the blaze.