First Red Deer Place evacuated due to smoke

The First Red Deer Place building, which houses ATB Financial on 49 Avenue in downtown Red Deer, has been evacuated due to smoke. 

Red Deer Emergency Services was called to the scene just after 10:30 this morning. Crews remain on scene and continue to investigate.

Asst. Deputy Fire Chief Damian LaGrange says smoke was seen on the first and second floors of the building as well as in the basement. He says the cause was likely a filter which burned inside the building’s air handling system.

About 75 people were evacuated from the building. It’s not yet known when they’ll be allowed to re-enter.