(rdnewsNOW / Sheldon Spackman)

By Sheldon Spackman

Investigation Ongoing

RCMP investigating downtown blaze on Thanksgiving weekend

Oct 26, 2021 | 12:18 PM

A Red Deer fire marshal has completed their investigation into a blaze that gutted a downtown business over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

City officials add, however, the fire marshal has submitted their findings to RCMP, with the General Investigation Section’s (GIS) investigation of the incident still ongoing.

“If a member of the public believes they may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area of the fire (4909-48 St) between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on Oct. 10, please call the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575,” reads a statement from City officials. “If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”

Deputy Fire Chief Chris Kearns said crews responded shortly after 5:36 a.m. to the Empire Building at 4909 48 Street on Oct. 10 after being notified of the blaze by RCMP.

“On arrival the crews found visible flames and smoke and called for some additional units to assist, so we sent additional units,” said Kearns.

BRING YOUR SMILES

Market at Red Deer returns to RDP this long weekend

15h ago

voting by permanent residents

Penhold seconds controversial Calgary resolution for debate at Alberta Municipalities conference

15h ago

"Slow Roll"

Potential traffic disruptions near Lacombe-area rest stop over weekend

17h ago

He noted 32 firefighters were on scene, including two ladder trucks, three engines, as well as mutual aid from Red Deer County in case other areas of the city were in need of assistance.

“We did an exterior attack,” he explained. “We didn’t actually go into the building initially because of the nature of the fire.”

In terms of where the fire started, Kearns said at the time that investigators were still determining that.

“I would suggest there’s significant damage. The building next door suffered some smoke damage but the fire did not go through to the next building,” he added. “Nobody was inside at the time. We’re just fortunate that nobody was hurt or injured and that everybody was safe.”

According to Realtor.ca, the Empire Building was built in 1975 and appears to include six local businesses. Two of those businesses on the west side of the building suffered significant damage.

Related: Investigators looking into cause of downtown blaze