FIRE CREWS RESPOND TO POSSIBLE HIGH-RISE FIRE

At approximately 3:30 this morning the Calgary Fire Department responded to the 500 block of 12 Avenue SW for reports of a high rise fire.  Upon arrival fire crews found two neighbouring high-rise buildings in alarm.  Additional resources were immediately called to the scene to assist with the investigation. Fire crews determined that both buildings were interconnected and that a garbage dumpster, within one of the buildings, had caught fire and spread smoke throughout the two structures.  Approximately 50 residents of a 17 story residential high-rise were evacuated.  The other building, a 7 story commercial high-rise, was on occupied at the time. Fire fighters assessed the evacuees for injuries, but no injuries were reported.  A bus was called to the scene to temporarily house the evacuees while smoke was being cleared. The residents have since been allowed back into their suites.

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