This past week the Okotoks Fire Department responded to 16 calls, two of which were structure fires in the MD.

Other calls included three alarm system activations, seven medical responses, assisting an outside agency, one public service call, and two motor vehicle collisions.

Ken Thevenot, Okotoks fire chief, says no one was injured in the blazes.

"The one west of town appeared to have started in the attic space which was a little bit troublesome... we managed to get it put out and everyone was safe with no injuries. The one south of town appeared to have started in the basement and we were fortunate because no one was home at the time."

Both fires remain under investigation but have been deemed as unsuspicious.

Thevenot is again reminding residents to make sure their furnaces are cleaned and inspected.

"There are certified people out there you can call and they'll come in to clean and inspect the furnace. A couple things they'll do is oil and lubricate some of the bearings and the motors which should have your furnace last 10, 15, possibly 20 years if you do the regular maintenance on it. Some of the simple things of course are changing your furnace filter on a regular basis."

He adds a good working furnace can help to reduce utility bill costs and help prevent fires.

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