Man and 4 cats die in northwest Calgary house fire

Fire crews found an unresponsive man in the basement of a northwest Calgary home.  (David Bell/CBC - image credit)
Fire crews found an unresponsive man in the basement of a northwest Calgary home. (David Bell/CBC - image credit)

A Calgary man is dead following a fatal house fire in the city's Dalhousie neighbourhood.

The Calgary Fire Department said in a media release that fire crews were called around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday to a home on Dalton Drive N.W. for reports of smoke coming from a basement suite.

The fire department said it received multiple 911 calls that there was possibly an occupant still inside the basement and four cats on the main floor.

Fire crews found an unresponsive man in the basement of the home. He was given CPR and transferred to EMS.

Around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday the fire department said the man had died due to his injuries. Officials said they are working to identify him and notify his family members.

CFD said the fire was brought under control and crews looked for the four cats. One was brought out and crews attempted resuscitation, which was unsuccessful.

Three other cats were found dead due to smoke inhalation.

Investigators remained on scene to determine the cause of the fire, alongside Calgary Police Service arson detectives, who are called to significant fires, including those with fatalities and serious injuries.