Extreme cold is thought to have been a factor in a blaze that destroyed a home in northern Clearwater County on Tuesday.

According to officials with Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services (RFRS), crews were alerted to the fire around noon and had firefighters from Condor, Lesliville, Caroline and Rocky Mountain House all attend.

Due to the cold weather and equipment freezing up, however, help was also requested from mutual aid partners in Rimbey for additional support with water shuttle operations. Officials say crews remained on scene until about 6:00 p.m., with members working until nearly 10:00 p.m. thawing out their equipment.

Officials acknowledge the blaze appears accidental and is not considered suspicious. Deputy Chief for Prevention and Investigations, Shawn St. Peeter, says the damage is estimated at $300,000. He further notes the fire was likely due to an overloaded electrical system, such as extra heating systems being used due to the cold.

St. Peeter says the fire started in the walls of the home and stayed contained to the residence.

He adds, the owner of the house was home at the time of the fire, but was able to escape without harm.