Accidental fire severely burns person in Calgary home

A person was taken to hospital in critical condition after they were severely burned in a fire in southeast Calgary Tuesday.

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) said crews were called to a home in the 2600 block of 40 Street S.E. shortly after 1 p.m.

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When firefighters arrived, they found light smoke coming from a home.

An investigation discovered a person in the basement of the home suffering from extensive burns.

“It was reported by roommates that the patient was on medical oxygen and attempted to smoke resulting in the patient’s clothes and body catching fire,” said Alex Kwan, the CFD’s public information officer in a statement.

“A roommate used a dry chemical extinguisher to extinguish the fire prior to fire crews’ arrival.”

The patient was assisted out of the home by firefighters, who transferred care to waiting paramedics.

Officials say the victim was transported in critical condition.

An investigator determined the cause of the fire was accidental.