Calgary Fire Department responds to 72-unit Beltline fire — Ctv News Calgary

A fire broke out Friday afternoon in a downtown Calgary high-rise, and ctv news calgary reported that dozens of residents had to get out or stay put. The Calgary fire department received the call around 4:20 p.m. to a building in the 1000 block of 13 Avenue S.W.

The building has 72 units. Firefighters quickly narrowed the fire to the top floor while some residents evacuated their suites and others sheltered in place.

Alex Kwan on sheltering

Calgary Fire Department Information Officer Alex Kwan said people who could not get down the stairs safely should remain inside. “If the fire is not in somebody’s unit they can safely shelter in place particularly if they use a mobility aid, a wheelchair or walker or something like that so you can’t get down the stairs safely,” he said.

He added: “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.”

1000 block of 13 Avenue S.W.

The first firefighters on scene asked for more resources after arriving at the building. A CFD overhaul team was brought in to punch holes in the ceiling to determine whether the fire had spread further. Crews were unsure if the fire started on the roof or in one of the penthouse suites.

Several roads in the area were shut down, and people were asked to avoid the area. The closures created serious traffic backups during the busy evening rush hour, adding a second disruption for residents and drivers moving through the Beltline.

Downtown Calgary traffic

For people in the 72-unit building, the immediate choice was evacuation or sheltering in place. For everyone else near downtown Calgary, the practical effect was simpler: stay clear of the 1000 block of 13 Avenue S.W. until crews finish working through the top floor and road access opens again.