Calgary fire crews respond to downtown building fire, 200 evacuated

Just after 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday March 26, Calgary fire crews were called to a large residential building at the 400 block of 9 Avenue South East. The building's fire alarm system had been triggered by the activation of a sprinkler head in a unit on the third floor. A fire which had ignited the mattress in the room caused the sprinkler to activate and flow water. The sprinkler successfully contained the fire until firefighters arrived and extinguished it.

Approximately 200 people were evacuated from the building. Fire crews then commenced ventilation to clear the building of smoke. Staff and residents were allowed back in shortly before 6:00 p.m. after firefighters deemed the air quality was safe for re-entry. Several residents are temporarily displaced due to fire and water damage and will be allowed back into their suites once they are cleaned.

No injuries were reported as a result of this fire and it is not known if the resident of the suite was inside at the time the fire started. A fire investigator attended the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

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