Calgary warehouse fire and impact to Calgary Transit

Just after 3:00  this morning the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) responded to a structure fire in an abandoned warehouse at 416 - 7 Avenue SE.  The fire was brought under control and no injuries were reported or occupants found. Due to the type of construction large amounts of water were used to control the fire and protect exposed buildings. The heavy water load caused the building to yield and become unstable which created concern for exposed buildings and a section of the CTrain  line along 7 Avenue between 3 St and 4 St SE.

City of Calgary Safety Response Unit (SRU) was called in to assess the building and determine whether it should be demolished for safety reasons. After the assessment it was determined the building was not safe left standing and that the CTrain line along 7 Avenue was compromised.

The close proximity of the transit lines meant the CTrain service was disrupted both while we monitored the stability of the building, and further impacted when the CTrain line was de-energized to allow the building to be made safe. However, we were able to avaoid completly shutting down Transit access until after the bulk of rush hour traffic had dissipated. Transi continued to run shuttles to ensure service. We recognize the impact on commuters and we'd like to thank all Transit customers for their patience as we worked to ensure everyone's safety. Transit operations have returned to normal.

The building has been safely secured and turned over to the property owners.

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