Calgary fire crews battle stubborn strip mall fire in north west

At approximately 7:20 this morning, 911 received a call from a passerby that there were flames visible on the roof of a strip mall at the 1900 block of Uxebridge Drive NW. On arrival, fire crews immediately called for a second alarm due to the volume of smoke present. Several cats were rescued from a business in the strip mall. At this point in the firefighting efforts, two businesses have been damaged by fire and several others have been damaged by smoke.  Fire and heat traveled along the roof making firefighting efforts difficult. Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to find the fire's path. Utilities to all businesses in the strip mall have been shut off and crews are currently still battling this fire. No injuries have been reported and Uxebridge Drive at Ulster has been shut down. Commuters are asked to find alternate routes. Two schools in the area have also been evacuated as a safety precaution. Calgary Fire Department Hazardous Materials team is performing air quality tests in the area. Neighbouring businesses are being asked to shut down their ventilation systems temporarily until air quality in the area improves.

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