7 people sent to hospital following apartment fire in south Edmonton
At least seven people have been taken to hospital following a large apartment fire in a south Edmonton neighbourhood.
Fire crews were called to the four-storey building at 107th Street and 79th Avenue just before 1 a.m. Friday.
A spokesperson for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) said the fire appeared to have started in a main-floor unit and quickly moved up the building. One person suffered severe smoke inhalation, the spokesperson said.
“No one can go in right now — the flames came right from floor one, up the balcony,” said Neil Robertson, an assistant deputy chief with EFRS.
He said eight crews responded initially. They had to use ladders to rescue residents from balconies.
Robertson said flames were coming from all sides of the building when fire crews arrived.
On Thursday night, Edmonton police said officers were called to the building to help another agency carry out a court order against a man who had barricaded himself in his suite.
Negotiations with the man had been going on since about 5 p.m., police said in a statement Friday morning.
While police were on scene, a fire broke out in the suite where the man lived, according to police.
The building was evacuated so crews could tackle the flames.
Just after 12:45 a.m. Friday, police said the man was taken into custody.
Robertson said the fire was under control around 4 a.m.
Part of the building has since collapsed.
Edmonton Transit Service buses were brought in to provide shelter for the evacuated residents.
Police continue to investigate.
Fire investigators were at the scene as well.
More to come….
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