Fire in Beltline forces closure of part of 13 Ave. S.W.

A fire in a Calgary high-rise shut down part of 13 Avenue S.W. Friday afternoon. Alesia Fieldberg reports

A fire in a Calgary high-rise disrupted traffic late Friday afternoon in the Beltline.

Fire crews were on scene at a fire in the 1000 block of 13 Avenue S.W., where fire and smoke were visible from the penthouse area of the building.

All four directions of 9 Street and 13 Avenue S.W. were closed because there were hoses and more than a dozen fire trucks filling the area.

Fire officials say the fire came from a penthouse unit, which are two floors high, and are investigating whether it may have started in the ceiling or on the roof.

Crews are still putting out hotspots and dozens of residents who had to flee their homes are waiting nearby.

There are 72 units in the building and fire crews say the building was evacuated except for some units where people with mobility issues sheltered in place.

“If the fire is not in someone’s unit, then they can safely shelter in place,” said CFD public information officer Alex Kwan, “particularly if they use mobility aids.

“You have to use a wheelchair or a walker or something like that,” he added, “and you can’t get down the stairs safely. Then, you’re better to stay in your suite, leave the door closed, use something like blankets or jackets to keep any smoke from coming in underneath the door, and that’s the shelter in place. So, close as many doors between you and the hazard.”

One person was transported to hospital with minor injuries they got while leaving the building, and a firefighter is being checked for minor injuries due to hauling equipment.

Fire officials expect the roads to remain closed for several more hours.

With files from CTV News’ Alesia Fieldberg