Calgary Fire Department evacuates over 50 people downtown due to early morning fire

At approximately 6:45 this morning, fire crews were called to the 1100 block of 8th Avenue S.W for reports of a building fire. The fire alarm had been activated in the residential building along with a manual pull station, causing over 50 people to evacuate.  Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke and flames in the basement of the six story building and immediately called a second alarm. The fire was confined to the basement area and extinguished by fire crews, however, smoke did migrate to other floors of the building. Firefighters used vans to ventilate affected areas and remove the smoke. Air monitoring was also performed to assess carbon monoxide levels throughout the building. Occupants have now been allowed to re-enter their residences. No injuries were reported as a result of this fire. Calgary Fire Department Fire Investigators are on scene to determine origin and cause.

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