Arson in Strathcona forces 13 residents from their homes
EDMONTON A deliberately set fire at a Strathcona apartment building has displaced more than a dozen people.
Edmonton Fire Rescue crews received the call at 2:21 a.m. Monday after the blaze was ignited in the building near 106 Street and 83 Avenue.
“The fire was discovered in the hallway of the lower level of the building and extended to the second floor, causing damage to several floor joists and electrical wiring,” said Edmonton fire spokeswoman Brittany Lewchuk. “Floors two, three and four suffered varying degrees of smoke damage to both structure and contents. Water damage was limited to the lower level.”
About 24 firefighters arrived on scene before the fire was declared out at 4:43 a.m. Fire investigators later determined the blaze had been deliberately set and Edmonton city police were called to investigate.
Thirteen people from the building were temporarily housed in an Edmonton Transit bus before the city’s emergency support response team was called in to find temporary housing for the residents. There were no reported injuries.
Nicole Geoffroy with the Edmonton Emergency Relief Services asked in an email Monday morning for public help to assist the displaced individuals with basic supplies such as new socks and underwear, new toiletries and clean and gently used clothing and footwear. Public donations can only be dropped off at 10255 104 St. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.