Investigators have determined that a fire at the Mount Royal Hotel, a historic hotel in Banff, Alta., last week was sparked when a propane torch came into contact with combustible materials.
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The fire started at around 2:30 a.m on Dec. 29, forcing the evacuation of the building.
In a statement emailed to Global News, the Town of Banff said the cause of the fire was “determined to be a direct flame impingement to combustible material from a propane torch.”
The roof of the building was undergoing renovation work at the time.
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Smoke could still be seen from Banff's Mount Royal Hotel as of 9:30 a.m. Dec. 29, 2016.
Carl Modolo
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Smoke could still be seen from Banff's Mount Royal Hotel as of 9:30 a.m. Dec. 29, 2016.
Carl Modolo
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The scene of the fire at Banff's Mount Royal Hotel just before 11 a.m. MT on Dec. 29, 2016.
Craig Hooper / Global News
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The scene of the fire at Banff's Mount Royal Hotel just before 11 a.m. MT on Dec. 29, 2016.
Craig Hooper / Global News
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A huge plume of smoke could be seen from the hotel early on Thursday morning.
Jayme Doll / Global News
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Officials said the fire started at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 29, 2016.
Jayme Doll / Global News
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Photos submitted to Global News showing the Banff's Mount Royal Hotel at around 7 a.m. Dec. 29, 2016.
Dan Moore, Banff
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Photos submitted to Global News showing the Banff's Mount Royal Hotel at around 7 a.m. Dec. 29, 2016.
Dan Moore, Banff
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Officials said that after reviewing witness statements, photographs and video footage it was determined the fire originated approximately 25 feet from the west brick wall facing Banff Avenue.
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Over 250 guests staying at the hotel at the time of the fire were relocated. None were injured.