Residents and neighbours stood and watched as a massive fire tore through a northeast condo building on Friday evening.
“I've never been that close to a fire before and it just made me realize that could have been my building,” said Joni White who lives across the courtyard from the fire.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services were called to the Victoria Trail condo building in the area of 148 Avenue and 26 Street just before 6:30 p.m.
Fire crews arrived four minutes after receiving the first call, but the roof was already fully involved. Firefighters fought the fire externally and also attempted to fight the fire from inside, but were forced to retreat due to safety concerns.
There approximately 44 firefighters on scene assisting with the fire.
The fire was under control at 10:18 p.m. and fully out at 2:10 a.m.
Fire officials said there are 32 suites in the building.
The Emergency Support Response Team assisted 26 residents, and they were put up in hotels last night.
“I just wanted to make sure everybody got out safe,” said Nadine Williams, who lives on the fourth floor of the building. "And my cat, I was trying to get my cat. I don't know where my cat is right now. I got my dog, but we couldn't get the cat. But we got everybody out.”
No injuries have been reported.
Investigators believe the fire started in the roof attic, but the cause is still under investigation. A damage estimate has not been released yet.
