The Calgary Fire Department says crews were dispatched to the 1100 block of Gladstone Road NW for reports of a fire at about 12:45 a.m. A second alarm was immediately sounded due to the situation, officials said.
“Upon arrival, fire crews encountered significant smoke and visible flames from the interior of a rusted three-story commercial building. Firefighters quickly initiated an exterior defensive attack,” CFD said in a statement.
Crews also set up several water towers to keep the fire from spreading to other businesses, such as a bike shop next door.
VACATION FOR YEARS#
Officials say the building where the fire started has been vacant for some time.
“Reports were that the structure had been vacant for several years,” officials said.
People living in the area believe it was an abandoned community center.
“We thought it was construction smoke or something, but we turned the corner and saw a bunch of smoke coming out of the top,” Matthew Powell said.
A short time later they said they heard sirens approaching and then firefighters were on the scene.
Powell says it only took about 10 minutes for the building to be fully involved.
“It’s pretty crazy.”
Fire crews will remain at the scene, along with a fire investigator to ensure all flames are out and have not spread to other buildings.
Officials say damage was limited to one structure.
