Residents of a Sapperton apartment have been displaced by a fire that caused extensive damage to two suites.
Acting fire Chief Erin Williams said fire crews responded to a structure fire at 331 Hospital St. at about 6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 27.
“On arrival, there was heavy smoke and flames coming from a unit on the second floor, and crews performed an exterior attack to limit spread to other units,” he said. “A search team and an interior attack team then entered the building to search for occupants and aggressively attack the fire.”
Williams said firefighters determined all occupants had exited the building. No injuries were reported.
“All 16 of the on-duty crews and three chief officers were on scene, and neighbouring fire departments were requested to be on standby in the event another incident occurred in the city,” he said. “The fire was upgraded to a second alarm and extra off-duty crews were called in to provide fire coverage to the city for the duration of the fire.”
The emergency management coordinator and emergency social support staff were activated to assist with accommodations and support for multiple displaced residents, Williams said.
“At this time the building cannot be reoccupied until the fire and - systems have been restored,” he said Tuesday morning. “A fire investigation is underway and will be continuing throughout the day.”
Images posted on social media showed two units in Parkside Apartments engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke pouring out of one of the units.
“The fire was limited to two suites due to the quick response and aggressive fire attack of NW Fire Rescue crews,” Williams said. “Further assessments for smoke and water damage will determine the total number of suites involved and when residents can return to their homes.
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