Smoke Causes Concern for Downtown Hotel Guests

At approximately 3:30 this morning the Calgary Fire Department responded to the 100 block of 12 Avenue SW for reports of alarm bells ringing.  Upon arrival fire crews found a high-rise hotel in alarm with occupants evacuating. Fire crews were alerted to a vehicle fire in an adjoining underground parkade.  The fire was quickly located and extinguished by Firefighters.  However, as a result of the fire, thick black smoke had filled the parkade causing concern for the welfare of hotel guests.  As a precaution, the hotel was completely evacuated until fire crews were certain that no smoke had migrated inside.  Fire Department ventilation fans, in combination with the building’s ventilation system, were used to clear the smoke. Approximately 140 hotel guests, and staff, were evacuated to a building across the street.

The hotel has since been cleared for re-entry.  No injuries were reported.  Investigators are on scene.  At this time, traffic routes in the area are unaffected.

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