Calgary fire crews fight stubborn two alarm fire downtown

Shortly after 10:00 this morning, multiple concerned citizens called 9-1-1 to report smoke coming from the building immediately west of the First Baptist Church at 13 Avenue and 4 Street S.W. When fire crews arrived, smoke and flames were visible and the fire was upgraded to a second alarm.

Nobody was in the building when firefighters conducted a search however the church next door did have some visitors which were evacuated as a precaution by Calgary Police Officers.

The construction of the building hampered firefighting efforts as the fire was easily traveling between the floors, hidden behind walls and along joists. Firefighters had to open up the walls in multiple areas inside the building to fight the fire.

No injuries have been reported as a result of this fire and a CFD fire investigator is on scene to determine the origin and cause. 

Traffic is being rerouted by CPS along 4 Street between 12 and 14 Avenues S.W. as well as 13 Avenue between 4 and 5 Street S.W.

Damage to the manse building is significant however there is no reported damage to the neighbouring church.

Fire crews will be on scene for the remainder of the day to deal with hot spots and do salvage and overhaul.

-30-