Early Morning Blaze Disrupts Downtown Calgary Business

On December 2, 2025, at approximately 8:50 am, Calgary Fire Department crews swiftly responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of 8 Ave SW. The blaze involved a two-story retail business, with smoke and flames visible from the back-alley side. Firefighters connected to a hydrant, deployed hoses, and forced entry to extinguish the fire that had spread to the ceiling and attic space.

Despite the fire's intensity, no injuries were reported, and the business was unoccupied at the time. Calgary Police temporarily closed a section of 1 St SW to ensure public safety, while ATCO Gas shut off gas lines, restoring them safely by 10:30 am, allowing nearby businesses to reopen.

This incident underscores the complexities of firefighting in Calgary's historic downtown, where older buildings often feature multiple roof layers and void spaces, complicating fire suppression efforts. The Calgary Downtown Association, overseeing over 2,500 businesses, recognizes the impact such disruptions have on the city's revitalization efforts.

Fire watch crews remain on site to prevent re-ignition, and an investigation is underway to determine the fire's origin. Residents with information or media related to the incident are encouraged to contact authorities.