An area landmark has been reduced to ashes after a massive blaze tore through Symons Valley Ranch in northwest Calgary.
Calgary fire crews responded at 6 a.m. Jan. 26 and found the building completely engulfed in flames, according to department spokesperson Carol Henke. The call was quickly upgraded to a two-alarm response. Efforts to put out the fire were hampered by a gas leak, which was eventually shut off. Nearby residents were asked to stay inside their homes due to the significant smoke the fire was causing. Approximately 40 residents of Calgary’s Sage Blugg Green neighbourhood were also evacuated for safety precautions.
As of press time Jan. 27, crews were still on scene and were starting their investigation of what caused the fire, according to Henke.
“It can take weeks to determine the cause. This was a very big fire and there are lots of moving pieces,” she said.
