Calgary Fire Department Calls Third Alarm for Major Southeast Warehouse Fire

A major commercial fire in southeast Calgary led to a large emergency deployment after crews encountered dense smoke and difficult interior conditions inside a warehouse building.

According to Calgary Fire Department, crews were dispatched at approximately 3:40 in the afternoon to the 3400 block of 56 Avenue Southeast following reports of a structure fire inside a large commercial warehouse.

When firefighters arrived, workers had already evacuated the building and confirmed that everyone inside had safely exited.

Employees told emergency crews that the fire began in a storage room.

Workers attempted to control the flames using dry chemical extinguishers before firefighters arrived, but the fire continued spreading inside the building.

Because early extinguishing efforts were unsuccessful, all workers left the warehouse and waited outside for emergency responders.

No injuries were reported and officials confirmed all workers were accounted for.

Fire crews immediately advanced multiple hose lines into the structure to begin interior attack operations.

Once inside, firefighters faced extremely difficult conditions because of thick smoke throughout the warehouse.

Visibility was heavily reduced, making it difficult to locate the exact seat of the fire.

A large industrial ventilation fan was brought to the scene to help remove smoke and improve interior conditions for rotating fire attack teams.

Officials said the combination of poor visibility, warehouse layout and the type of materials stored inside complicated direct access to the burning area.

That meant firefighters had to remain on scene for several hours while gradually working through sections of the building.

A third alarm was declared to bring in additional resources and provide relief crews for firefighters already operating inside the warehouse.

In total, approximately 60 firefighters and 25 emergency apparatus were assigned to the incident.

Large warehouse fires often require extended operations because hidden fire can remain inside walls, stored materials or enclosed compartments even after visible flames are reduced.

Support agencies also attended the incident.

ATCO and ENMAX assisted by managing utility safety.

Gas service to the building was shut off as a precaution to reduce additional hazard.

Calgary Police Service provided scene control, while ambulance crews from Alberta emergency health services remained available to support firefighters working in demanding smoke conditions.

Warehouse staff also assisted emergency crews by explaining building layout, access points and heavy equipment placement inside the structure.

This support often becomes critical during industrial incidents because interior warehouse design can be complex and visibility may remain poor for extended periods.

A fire investigator attended the scene but could not begin formal examination immediately because smoke conditions still limited safe inspection.

Officials say the investigation into the cause will begin once the fire is fully extinguished and visibility improves.

Even after visible flames are reduced, crews remain on site to monitor hot spots and prevent rekindling.

Industrial warehouse fires are treated carefully because concealed heat can remain active deep within stored materials or structural spaces.

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom