Calgary police arson investigators are now looking into an early Wednesday morning fire in downtown Calgary.
Shortly before 5 a.m., Calgary firefighters responded to the 200 block of 10 Avenue SW after reports of a fire.
Fire officials said that when crews arrived, there were flames and smoke coming from the back-alley entrance of a single-storey restaurant, Salt & Brick. While they knocked down the initial fire, firefighters noticed continued smoke despite no visible flames.
They had to cut away the subfloor in the building to access difficult-to-reach areas as they tried to confirm the fire was extinguished.
No injuries were reported, though cleaning staff were on site, according to the Calgary Fire Department (CFD).
Smoke also spread to neighbouring businesses and activated fire alarm systems, CFD said. They said there’s no further risk, and the fire is under control.
“The building is also next to an active construction site but there are no impacts and workers were able to start their work with minimal impacts,” read a CFD news release.
Later, Calgary fire investigators attended the scene, along with a canine investigator.
“Investigators have confirmed that the fire originated on the alley side of the building and that this fire is being considered suspicious. Calgary Police Arson Investigators are now leading the investigation.”
Anyone with information, particularly before the arrival of fire crews, is asked to call police at 403-266-1234.
