Calgary fire crews fight south west balcony fire

At approximately 12:15p.m. on Wednesday, December 20,  9-1-1 started receiving calls reporting a fire on the balcony of a third floor suite of a 50 unit condo building located at the 1600 block of 11 Avenue S.W. .  When fire crews arrived, flames and thick dark smoke could be seen on the exterior of the three story building.  Firefighters started with an immediate exterior attack and then transitioned to an interior fire attack by entering the fire suite on the third floor. They then accessed the attic by cutting holes in the roof as fire had made its way in and above the ceiling of the source suite through the soffits.  

Firefighters successfully prevented spread of the fire to other units and no civilian injuries were reported as a result of this fire.

The building's fire alarm system had activated as intended and prompted the several dozen residents who were home at the time  of the fire to  quickly and safely evacuate.  The two residents who live in the suite of origin also safely evacuated.  Once fire crews ensured that the air quality was safe, residents were allowed back inside with the exception of the suite where the fire started. A  Calgary Fire Department Fire Investigator is on the scene to determine the origin and cause. The fire is not believed to be suspicious.

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