Firefighters were called to Calgary’s downtown Tuesday morning after a blaze broke out inside a business housed next to the historic Alberta Hotel building.
At around 8:50 a.m., crews responded to reports of a structure fire along 8 Avenue SW near 1 Street SW.
Upon arrival, firefighters were met by a staff member from a neighbouring business who directed them to the alley between 8 and 9 Avenue SW. Smoke and flames were visible from the rear of a two‑storey retail business, identified as Canadian Impressions.
The aftermath of a fire at Canadian Impressions along Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (CityNews image)
Crews quickly connected to a hydrant, deployed hose lines, and forced entry into the building to attack the fire. A fridge unit and other items were removed to the alley to ensure the flames were fully extinguished.
The fire had spread into the ceiling and attic space at the back of the building, prompting crews to set up ladders and breach multiple roof layers to reach hidden hot spots.
Additional teams checked neighbouring businesses on both sides and confirmed the fire was contained to the source. Occupants in adjacent businesses remained inside safely, while some arriving employees waited outside near the alley.
The aftermath of a fire at the rear of a building along Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (Credit: Calgary Fire Department)
“Some of the building’s occupants self‑evacuated, and others were able to shelter in place,” said Calgary Fire Department spokesperson Alex Kwan.
No injuries were reported, and no one was inside the source business at the time of the fire.
Calgary police temporarily closed a portion of 1 Street SW to keep people clear of emergency operations.
ATCO Gas also shut off service to the building as a precaution, restoring it shortly after 10:30 a.m., allowing restaurants and other businesses to reopen.
Fire crews remain at the scene to monitor for re‑ignition while investigators work to determine the cause of the fire.
