The residents of Alpha House, a refuge for people with alcohol and drug dependencies, will be able to return to their homes on Sunday afternoon after a fire forced them out early Saturday morning.
At about 12:15 a.m., crews were called to the facility at 203 15 Avenue S.E. for reports of a fire that broke out in a bathroom.
When they got there, they found the fire, as well as a man inside suffering from second to third degree burns over 98 percent of his body.
The victim was rushed to Foothills Hospital, but police confirm that the man later died.
He has not yet been identified, but he is a resident of Alpha House.
Following the incident, the Mustard Seed and the Drop-In Centre took in the 160 displaced residents.
“We are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of community support and concern for our clients and staff over the weekend,” says Alpha House spokesperson Adam Melnyk in a release. “Our partners, like the Calgary Drop-In and Mustard Seed, stepped in to help out, and we are deeply appreciative for their assistance.”
The Alpha House suffered minor damage from fire, but severe water damage throughout the rest of the building because the sprinkler system went off as a result of the fire.
Officials also released a statement in connection with the death of one of their residents:
Alpha House Calgary is saddened by the tragic death of our client in Friday night’s fire. We are like a close-knit family and care deeply for the people we serve. This loss of life of a friend and client impacts our clients and staff in a significant way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very sad time. He will be missed by all of us.
Donations are being accepted at the shelter for hygiene items as well as new or gently used clothing and socks.
Financial donations to support Alpha House and their residents can be made on their website.
