Calgary police say a charge has been laid in relation to a fire at a seniors centre in the community of Christie Park on Monday that sent one man to hospital.
Firefighters were called to Wentworth Manor at 5717 14 Ave. S.W. at about 1:20 a.m.
According to the Calgary Fire Department (CFD), the fire started inside a closet in the retirement facility’s dementia wing and forced firefighters to evacuate an entire floor.
Wentworth Manor is owned and operated by the Brenda Strafford Foundation.
In a statement to Global News, the foundation’s President and CEO Mike Conroy said the facility was fully staffed at the time, and both the sprinkler system and smoke alarm activated.
Conroy said the smoke from the fire prevented staff from entering one room, and the resident living in the room was rescued by firefighters.
Calgary police said one man was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition.
In a Monday news release, the Calgary Police Service said its arson and homicide units are investigating the fire due to its “suspicious nature.”
On Monday afternoon, police said another resident at the facility, a man in his 70s, had been charged with one count of arson in relation to the blaze. Because it’s believed he suffers from a mental health condition, his name isn’t being released, CPS said.
“This is an extremely sad case,” Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta said in a news release. “We believe that the offender was suffering from a significant cognitive impairment at the time of the incident and we are continuing to support all of the families involved.”
Conroy said the manor’s medical director attended the facility to assess the health of residents affected by the fire.
“We know this will come as difficult news for our residents, families, staff and community at an already challenging time,” he said. “The Brenda Strafford Foundation and Wentworth Manor remains focused on providing the best possible care and services to all of our residents and families.”
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
– With files from Blake Lough