'Quite catastrophic': Fire burns through 6 businesses at southwest strip mall
A large team of firefighters descended on a fire that broke out inside a southwest Calgary strip mall Thursday morning.
Calgary Fire Department district chief Kevin Wiens said a passerby called 911 when they saw smoke and fire coming from the strip mall in the 1800 block of Sirocco Drive S.W. around 2:45 a.m.
"Our first engine arrived from a neighbouring station about five minutes later and started immediate fire operations," he said.
The fire had been knocked down as of 6 a.m., but crews remained at the scene.
"We are looking for extensions and working to make sure it isn't going to go anywhere else," Weins said.
He said fighting fires in larger structures like a strip mall requires a specific strategy that balances risk and takes all precautions to ensure crews are safe while they do their job.
"We're using bigger lines on top and eventually, once we got it down, we're going inside and getting rid of the rest of the fire," he said.
Wiens said about six businesses were damaged in the fire and some of those are "total losses."
"In some of the units, it's quite catastrophic," he said.
"As time goes on today, and we can get inside and check out a little bit more, we'll be able to determine how much that is."
Rick Chuk has owned the Levilla Restaurant for 18 years.
His business did not sustain any water or fire damage, but the restaurant was filled with thick smoke.
"I have never closed for 18 years. Not even during COVID. I survived all of that stuff, all the ups and downs of the economy, so I don't want to think about that," he told CTV News.
"The good news is no one was (reported) injured," said Carol Henke, public information officer for the fire department.
"However, this is devastating for these small business owners. After everything we've been through in the last few years, it is absolutely a blow they did not need."
Chuk said despite the tough news, he's most concerned about the well-being of his staff.
"For me, I can start my insurance claim pretty soon, they say. I should be able to do that. Hopefully, I can open as soon as possible," he said.
"Owning a restaurant is tough. We're just recovering from COVID, so we need all of the support that we can get. It's a tough business."
There was no information on the cause of the fire, but an investigator was on scene throughout the day.
Henke said there is security camera footage from at least one nearby business that should help their work.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.