'We had nowhere to go': Dozens displaced after fire damages Deer Run apartment building
Dozens of residents of an apartment building in Deer Run were displaced after a Monday evening fire caused significant damage to the building.
Police said a call came in reporting a fire at Meadowbrook Apartments at 13531 Deer Run Blvd. S.E. around 6 p.m.
The caller reported seeing flames and smoke coming from the third and fourth floors of the buildings, police said.
When fire crews arrived on scene there was a large amount of flames and smoke, which prompted them to call in more firefighters.
The blaze started on the back side of the building and moved onto the roof, according to the Calgary Fire Department (CFD).
In a video submitted from the scene, fire could be seen on the roof of the apartment building with a plume of black smoke rising into the air.
Another video showed flames and smoke coming from the balcony of one of the top-floor units.
Flames are seen consuming the balcony of a top-floor unit in the Meadowbrook Apartments complex. (Courtesy: Justina Leigh)
Firefighters contained the blaze to two units on the third floor of one building, but there was extensive water and smoke damage to other units.
A cinder-block firewall prevented the flames from spreading to nearby apartment buildings, but the utilities for the two adjacent buildings run through the apartment that burned.
As a result, three apartment buildings with a total of 36 units were evacuated.
Like many displaced residents, Benjamin MacGee, who lives across the hall from where the fire started, returned Tuesday hoping to collect personal effects left behind in the rush to leave.
“Last night we couldn't get our cars out. We had nowhere to go. We managed to find a friend that would put us up for the evening.” said MacGee.
“We don't even know when we will be able to go back and live there. That could be weeks if not longer.
Once they're done their investigation that's when we'll know, but (it’s) pretty nerve-wracking for the next couple of days.”
Calgary Fire Department spokesperson Carol Henke says there was significant damage to the top floor of the building and some of the roof collapsed, but no people were injured.
A photo from the scene of a fire at Meadowbrook Apartments shows where part of the roof collapsed. (CTV News)
“Tragically there were two pet rabbits that died in the fire. They lived in the unit where the fire originated,” said Henke, who added that the fire department’s investigation is not yet finished, but the cause is not considered suspicious.
“We know from all the major fires that we have responded to here in a city that the most common accidental outside fire start is the improper disposal of smoking materials and especially cigarette butts put in planter pots,” said Henke.
“That is never okay and you are literally playing with fire with that, and you are putting not only yourself and your home at risk but those around you.”
The fire department says most renters in Calgary do not have rental insurance. Residents at the Deer Run apartments where the fire happened, however, are an exception.
Several confirmed to CTV News that carrying a rental insurance policy is a stipulation in their rental agreement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.