Calgary housing complex fire sends 6 to hospital, one critical

CALGARY: A devastating apartment fire in southeast Calgary left six people hospitalized on Sunday after flames rapidly spread through a residential housing complex, triggering a major emergency response and forcing firefighters to battle multiple blazes across the city.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene in the 400 block of MacLeod Trail S.E. at approximately 12:25 p.m. following reports of a fire inside the apartment building.

According to the Calgary Fire Department, the blaze originated in a single residential suite before quickly spreading, causing significant damage throughout the complex. Firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent the fire from extending to nearby structures while rescue teams assisted residents trapped inside the building.

Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services confirmed that six people were transported to hospital with varying degrees of injuries.

Among the victims, one person remains in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. Three additional patients were reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital for further medical care.

Officials have not disclosed the identities of the injured or provided details about the circumstances that led to their injuries.

Investigators are now working to determine what sparked the fire. Authorities said the cause remains unknown, and a formal investigation has been launched to establish how the blaze began and whether any safety concerns contributed to the incident.

The apartment fire was one of several emergencies handled by Calgary firefighters on Sunday, stretching emergency resources across different parts of the city.

Earlier in the day, crews responded to another fire in the northwest community of Kensington, where two detached garages and a power pole were damaged. Firefighters also tackled a large blaze at the Shepard Landfill and Eco Centre in southeast Calgary, highlighting an unusually busy day for emergency services.

Officials have not yet released information on the number of residents displaced by the apartment fire or the full extent of structural damage to the building.

Authorities are expected to continue examining the scene over the coming days as investigators gather evidence and assess the cause of the blaze.

The incident serves as another reminder of the dangers posed by rapidly spreading residential fires and the critical role of emergency responders, whose swift action helped evacuate residents and prevent what could have been an even greater tragedy.