Calgary, AB,
23
December
2019
|
17:14
America/Denver

Calgary fire crews respond to hotel fire in the south east

At approximately 1:15 on Monday afternoon, December 23, Calgary fire crews were dispatched to the 1800 block of 50 Street S.E. for reports of a building fire. Multiple callers to 9-1-1 reported seeing thick dark smoke coming from a room on the fourth floor.  The fire alarm in the building,  a four story hotel, had also been activated.

When fire crews arrived, they were met with a fully involved hotel room fire that had breached the window due to the volume of fire and the resulting heat. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. Upon searching the room, nobody was found inside. Crews searched and evacuated the rest of the building. Prior to Calgary Fire Department (CFD) arrival on scene, the hotel manager had run down the hallways banging on doors to alert occupants to the fire and to immediately evacuate.

Fire damage to the suite of origin is substantial with smoke damage throughout the fourth floor. Fire crews ventilated the area and assessed the air quality on all floors and stairwells for carbon monoxide. Using a thermal imaging camera, the building was checked for any hot spots. It is expected that hotel guests will not be allowed back into that part of the hotel until Saturday at the earliest. 

A Calgary Fire Department fire investigator is on scene and has started his investigation into the origin and cause of this fire. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

The Calgary Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the following safety information when staying in a hotel or motel:

  • Read the escape plan posted in your room.
  • If you hear an alarm, leave and close all doors behind you. Take your room key with you.
  • Use the stairs to get out. Typically you should not use the elevator unless directed by the fire department. 
  • If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the exit.
  • If all escape routes are blocked, return to your room. Shut off fans and air conditioners. Stuff wet towels or bedding in the cracks around the doors and vents. Call 9-1-1 to let them know your location. Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or light-coloured cloth.

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