Dozens Evacuate as High-Rise Fire Breaks Out in Downtown Calgary

A fire at a downtown Calgary high-rise on Friday afternoon forced dozens of residents to scramble to safety as a column of thick smoke was seen rising from the top of the building.

The Calgary Fire Department reported receiving the emergency call at approximately 4:20 p.m. For a building located in the 1000 block of 13 Avenue S.W. Upon arrival, the first firefighters on the scene observed the smoke and requested additional resources.

Emergency Response and Resident Safety

The high-rise building contains 72 units. While many residents were able to evacuate their suites, others chose to shelter in place during the incident.

Calgary Fire Department Information Officer Alex Kwan noted that if a fire is not located within a specific unit, residents may be able to safely shelter in place. This is particularly relevant for those using mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or walkers, who may not be able to descend stairs safely.

“Then you’re better to stay in your suite, leave the door closed, use something like blankets or jackets to keep any smoke from coming in underneath the door,” Kwan advised.

Did You Know? The high-rise building involved in the Friday afternoon fire consists of 72 units.

Investigation and Traffic Disruptions

Firefighters were able to narrow the location of the fire to the top floor, though it was not immediately clear if the blaze started on the roof or within one of the penthouse suites. A Calgary Fire Department “overhaul team” was deployed to punch holes in the ceiling to determine if the fire had spread further.

The emergency response led to several road closures in the area. Commuters were asked to avoid the vicinity, which resulted in significant traffic backups during the Friday evening rush hour.

Expert Insight: The utilization of an overhaul team to inspect ceilings indicates a focused effort to mitigate the risk of hidden fire spread, a critical procedure in high-rise emergency management.

Potential Next Steps

As the situation stabilizes, investigators may work to determine the exact origin of the fire, specifically whether it began on the roof or inside a penthouse suite.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where did the fire occur?
  The fire took place in a high-rise building in the 1000 block of 13 Avenue S.W. In downtown Calgary.
• What advice was given to residents who could not evacuate?
  Residents were advised to stay in their suites, keep their doors closed, and use blankets or jackets to prevent smoke from entering under the doors.
• How did the fire impact local travel?
  Several roads were shut down, causing serious traffic backups during the evening rush hour.

How do you feel about emergency protocols in high-rise residential buildings?