No foul play in north Regina hotel fire

REGINA – A piece of propane equipment is to blame in the fire Saturday that destroyed a hotel that was under construction in north Regina.

Regina fire marshal Randy Ryba says investigators aren’t sure why the equipment failed, but it’s still being examined.

According to Ryba, there’s no evidence to suggest foul play.

Damage to the four-story structure was so extensive, Ryba says there was little evidence to examine.

“It ignited the first floor of the building from the exterior, progressing up to the roof,” Ryba said, calling the building a total-loss. “Unfortunately, the entire building was consumed.”

“It even looks like they may need to take some of the concrete out, it has been badly heat-effected.”

Ryba says the equipment helped connect a propane tank to the hotel’s heating system, which was not operating at the time.

There’s still no price tag on the damage.