Community Rallies Around Families After Devastating Triplex Fire
This propane tank did not appear to have catastrophic failure.
A quiet corner of Industrial Avenue SE was shaken yesterday after a fire tore through a residential triplex, leaving families displaced, belongings destroyed, and a beloved pet lost. While officials have yet to confirm the cause of the blaze, neighbours say they heard loud pops before flames engulfed the home, melting siding off the adjacent triplex and shattering windows.
Zandra, a neighbour who witnessed the fire, described the terrifying moments before emergency crews arrived. “The BBQ blew… it made two big pops before the fire trucks got here,” she said. The intense heat warped nearby homes, a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike.
The fire almost engulfed the next house…
Though no serious injuries were reported among the tenants, the heartbreaking loss of a dog in the fire has left the neighbourhood grieving. “It’s just devastating,” Zandra shared. “These families have lost so much already.”
Now, the community is stepping up to help. Zandra and other neighbours have organized a Facebook group to coordinate donations and support for those affected. From clothing and household essentials to temporary shelter, the group is a hub of generosity—offering not just material aid, but also comfort to those facing the difficult days ahead.
The building is now fenced off.
With Medicine Hat in the grip of summer’s peak heat, the discomfort of being without a home is even more acute. Yet, amid the sadness, there is hope. “Our community is generous,” Zandra said. “When something like this happens, we come together.”
For those looking to assist, the Facebook group is accepting donations and organizing relief efforts. In a time of shock and loss, the kindness of neighbours shines brightest—proving once again that even in the hardest moments, no one in Medicine Hat has to face them alone.
