Thick, black smoke filled the sky over Stony Plain on Wednesday night, where the local curling rink went up in flames.
“It’s a complete loss,” said Trevor Mistal, the fire chief for the Stony Plain Fire Department. “The roof collapsed very early on.
“Upon arrival, there was a rapidly advancing fire across the roof.”
Mistal said there was no one in the building when firefighters arrived and there have been no injuries.
He said they were told of the blaze just after 6 p.m. After crews first arrived, another truck was called in from Spruce Grove. In all, 24 firefighters helped battle the blaze.
Mistal said it was too early to say what may have caused the fire or to offer a damage estimate. He said an investigation will begin Thursday.
Mayor William Choy said he was sad to see the four-sheet curling facility up in flames, noting he has “many fond memories” there.
The Westridge Curling Club was built in 1958, according to its website, and served both the town and the surrounding Parkland County.
In a news release issued Wednesday night, the Town of Stony Plain said the curling club was home to 220 members and seven leagues.
–With files from Global News’ Kaylen Small