WATCH ABOVE: Fire chief reveals the cause of the fire that destroyed a northeast Edmonton condo on Friday.
EDMONTON — Fire Chief Ken Block said Monday that a cigarette butt put in a diaper container on a balcony sparked Friday’s massive condo fire.
“There have been 55 fires in large residential buildings over the last four years, five years, and that’s significant,” said Block.
“This is yet again another example of a major fire that has been pinpointed to the ineffective extinguishing of smoking material.”
The massive fire started just before 5 p.m. Friday. It took 60 firefighters hours to get the three-alarm blaze under control. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were treated on scene.
The top floor – the fourth – was destroyed. The third, second and ground floors sustained smoke and water damage.
“It’s only by the grace of God that we’re not standing here lamenting the loss of life,” said Block.
“This is significant and it’s not getting better… we need to take this very, very seriously.”
However, Block said the fire department would not be suggesting criminal charges be laid.
“There was no malice, there was no intent here. This was an act of ignorance.”
READ MORE: Fire crews battle massive condo blaze in northeast Edmonton
The initial damage estimate is $16.3 million.
“They are going to be rebuilding the building,” said Catherine Bangel, a spokesperson for KDM Management. “From what I understand, they’re going to be taking it pretty much down to the studs. The entire fourth floor is going to be demolished.
“We are scheduling move out dates for all the condo unit owners.”
A small handful of residents were allowed back into their suites in shifts, beginning at 9 a.m. Monday. They had to go in together, wear hard hats and were escorted by security.
In half-hour sessions, people were allowed back into their suites to salvage what they could.
“I couldn’t sleep the last few days,” said condo owner Basel Mansour. “I don’t know what I’m going to see. It’s my first place that I bought. I’ve been there since it was built nine years ago.”
Mansour’s suite was furthest away from the fire on the ground floor.
“I’m already feeling sad, I’m worried about that moment when I walk in and see the mess.”
“It’s really sad,” said Mansour. “There was a lot emotional people.”
The fire chief acknowledged the profound impact a fire like this has on those affected.
“Our thoughts are with the families impacted as they deal with this significant loss. This was a devastating fire, we are extremely fortunate that there were no fatalities and no major injuries sustained by citizens or our crews,” said Block. “However, this fire was completely preventable.
“Edmontonians need to understand their actions can have profound and devastating effects on their neighbours, community and city.”
READ MORE: Clareview condo owners to begin returning home Monday after massive blaze
After being allowed inside his suite, Mansour was able to recover a few special belongings.
“I had a safe where I had pictures and documents, so that was all safe in there, but everything else is technically garbage.”
“It’s just a mess.”
A number of residents were renting and didn’t have tenant’s insurance. But, Mansour said even with insurance, the costs are concerning.
“If you are an owner for this building, you’re still paying a mortgage, you’re still paying condo fees… whether you have insurance or not… it’s going to cover for a period of time for your rental property. But, there’s a good two years that you’re going to be looking to pay both your rent and your mortgage.”
Mansour said residents were told it could take at least 18 months to rebuild.
“I couldn’t sleep just thinking about how I’m going to face all these payments.”
WATCH: Investigators have determined the cause of the massive $16-million condo fire. Meanwhile, residents are allowed to visit their suites. Vinesh Pratap reports.
The Red Cross has extended its 72-hour window to allow more people to come forward and ask for support.
“Insurance, we can’t really talk much because everything was closed, it was a weekend. It was so hard to get anything,” said Mansour.
“But Red Cross, Fire Department, police, they were very helpful, especially Red Cross, they did amazing, amazing work. They tried to gather everybody and provide them with a place to stay.”
Fire officials are expected to provide an update 1 p.m.
Residents are being allowed inside to assess the damage in two stages:
– Those who live in units north of the firewall will be allowed to return home on Monday.
– The south side of the building will be opened Wednesday from the third floor down.
Half-hour windows will be scheduled for condo owners to go inside to view their suites. Move-out dates will be scheduled for later dates with building security, as fire crews have determined the building will be a total loss.
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