Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect new information from Edmonton Fire Rescue Services on the correct location of the fire.
Three children were taken to hospital after a fire in north Edmonton on Thursday night.
Firefighters were called to the blaze at a seniors centre in the area of 134 Avenue and 101 Street just before 8:30 p.m.
A spokesperson for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services told Global News that they believe the children were taken to the Stollery Children’s Hospital because of possible smoke inhalation.
A spokesperson with EFRS initially told Global News the fire was reported at Kids Kottage, a crisis prevention and intervention shelter for infants and children. However, they later said the fire happened at Aspenwood Manor, a seniors centre operated by Catholic Social Services. The centre is for seniors with developmental disabilities.
EFRS said the children were in a neighbouring building — Rosecrest Home — and the smoke from the nearby fire had filtered into the Rosecrest Home building. A representative with Rosecrest Home, a facility for children with severe disabilities, said Friday morning the three children are doing OK.
A spokesperson with Catholic Social Services said there were seven residents and other staff members in the building when the fire broke out. They all made it out safely and have been temporarily relocated to other sites.
“We are grateful for the firefighters who responded, as well as our own staff, who worked quickly and compassionately to ensure residents were safe and supported throughout the event,” said Catholic Social Services CEO Dr. Troy Davies.
“We are continuing to work with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services to assess the damage and determine the cause of the fire. We have no further details to share at this time.”
District chief Brian Hoekstera said there were some challenges fighting the fire, due to the nature of the complex.
“In this particular complex, we’re not able to get our ladders in, just due to the power lines in the back and location of the building in the middle of the complex,” he explained.
“The fire started in the ceiling and that’s where it was contained — in the ceiling. But obviously, some of the struggles in trying to gain access through the roof, etc., and some of the water that we used did drain down into the building.”
The extent of the damage was not known, but Hoekstera said the people would not be able to get back inside on Thursday night.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Hoekstera said investigators would be back at the scene Friday to continue their investigation.
In total, 24 firefighters and six trucks were called to battle the blaze. No firefighters were injured, according to Hoekstera.
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