Smoking material has been deemed the cause of the Sonora Complex fire in Stony Plain.
Officials with the Town of Stony Plain said the fire started on a second-level balcony.
Residents affected by the fire were allowed back in to collect their valuables Saturday.
“It’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be,” Danielle Wiebe told CTV News.
“We both just had our birthdays so we got the birthday gifts we got each other out, which is really nice.”
Sean Dennis told CTV News he was happy that fire fighters were able to rescue his dog, Dexter, from the blaze and Saturday he was able to grab some belongings.
“There were some heirlooms inside of cupboards and dresser drawers that were salvageable.”
The Town of Stony Plain said they have been overwhelmed by all the donations they have collected.
“The generosity of the community has been outstanding,” Rudy Zacharia said, adding they were now focusing on gathering monetary donations.
“There are several residents that will have longer term needs that are now being assessed.”
Wiebe said she knew several victims that did not have insurance.
“It’s worth its weight in gold because of how many people I personally know in that building who don’t have anything left.”
Dennis said victims were going to need long term help.
“What people really need right now is places to rent. They need cash. They need gift cards and help with moving and those sorts of things.”
Fire officials were on hand helping residents gather what they could.
“Any of the places that we felt there was danger to the residents themselves we would send our crews in to go through and try and find what they’ve asked for from those particular unit,” Stony Plain fire chief Dan Badry explained.
“With the heat and smoke and water damage there is probably very little that is going to be salvageable.”
The Red Cross has been providing assistance to 64 residents left homeless by the fire but they will soon be moving on.
“After Alberta Red Cross moves out on Monday, Victim Services will take over and continue to do needs assessment and work with the people involved,” Zacharia explained.
Damages have been estimated to be $4 million.
Donations will be accepted at any ATB Branch or by Stony Plain FCSS (4095 51 Avenue).
With files from Amanda Anderson
