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Arrest made after fire at Lake Louise housing complex displaces hundreds

Click to play video: 'Tenants in iconic Lake Louise staff accommodation lose everything in devastating fire'
Tenants in iconic Lake Louise staff accommodation lose everything in devastating fire
WATCH: About 165 employees of Lake Louise ski resort have been left homeless after the Charleston residence was destroyed by fire. As Global’s Jayme Doll reports, it’s now the focus of a RCMP criminal investigation. – Jul 4, 2023

Lake Louise, Alta. RCMP and local fire departments responded to a fire at the Charleston Residence in the Lake Louise village early Monday afternoon.

A t around 11 p.m. Monday, RCMP confirmed to Global News that a person was in custody and charges are anticipated.

Click to play video: 'Hundreds displaced after fire engulfs Charleston Residence in Lake Louise'
Hundreds displaced after fire engulfs Charleston Residence in Lake Louise

RCMP expects to close the scene for several days. Arson investigators were set to arrive Tuesday.

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As of 3 p.m., police confirmed the staff accommodations were being evacuated and they believe up to 200 people could be displaced.

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Dan Markham, communication director at Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola, told Global News they have found temporary lodging for nearly all the staff.

An undated picture of the Charleston Residence before the fire on July 3, 2023. Charleston Residence/Facebook

In the peak summer season, there are 150 to 200 staff on site.

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Lake Louise, Alta. RCMP and local fire departments responded to a fire at the Charleston Residence in the Lake Louise village early Monday afternoon. Courtesy of @jdams_jr

Markham says local hotels and the Lake Louise and Banff community have stepped up to offer housing for the evacuees.

Lake Louise, Alta. RCMP and local fire departments responded to a fire at the Charleston Residence in the Lake Louise village early Monday afternoon. Courtesy of @jdams_jr

“The immediate priority is to make sure all staff are safe, all staff have a place to stay and food,” Markham said.

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Lake Louise, Alta. RCMP and local fire departments responded to a fire at the Charleston Residence in the Lake Louise village early Monday afternoon. Courtesy of @jdams_jr

Police said buses would transport evacuees from the fire scene to a muster point at the Lake Louise ski hill.

Mounties asked all visitors at the ski hill to sign in.

An update will be sent when available, RCMP said.

Click to play video: 'Downtown hotel patio damaged after fire in Edmonton’s river valley'
Downtown hotel patio damaged after fire in Edmonton’s river valley

 

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