Cause of St. Albert seniors’ home fire remains unknown as investigation ends

Nearly three months after a massive fire forced dozens of residents out of their homes at the Citadel Mews West Continuing Care Facility, the exact cause of the blaze remains unconfirmed.

The fire started just before 8 p.m. on May 6 at the seniors’ home located at 15 Erin Ridge Road next to the Sturgeon Community Hospital.

Three people were taken to hospital — two were treated for smoke inhalation and one for minor lacerations.

“Our investigation is complete and the results were inconclusive,” City of St Albert spokesperson Alex Cunningham told Global News on Tuesday.

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The fire went undetected on the patio, allowing it to grow and spread from patio furniture to the bottom of the deck above the patio, city officials said in a news release.

From there, the fire travelled up the vinyl siding, into the attic and made its way into the roof of the multi-storey building.

Once the fire made its way into the attic, it became difficult to access. High winds at the time of the blaze also didn’t help fire crews.

“This was a large and devastating fire, where thankfully no one was seriously hurt,” St. Albert Fire Services acting chief Scott Wilde said on May 14.

“If you live in a multi-family building, be aware of your building’s fire safety plan and practice your escape. A fire safety plan is required for all buildings with a fire alarm system.”

–With files from Caley Ramsay, Global News