The cause of a Morinville condo fire that left 14 people without a home remains unknown.
The fire had started around 5 p.m. on July 11 in a building on 101 Avenue. It then spread to a neighbouring building and garage. Four units in one building and the garage were destroyed. The other building was damaged from the smoke and heat.
Morinville fire chief Brad Boddez said investigators determined the fire started in the lower part of the building where some residents had built an enclosure, or “hut” area, on one of the balconies. From there it quickly moved upwards until it engulfed the entire building.
While another news organization reported that a cigarette had caused the fire, Boddez could not comment on that. Other fires in Edmonton had started that way but in this case, investigators don’t know what happened, he said.
“I was talking with the investigators on scene and it’s “undetermined” how they are classifying it,” he said.
While no one was hurt in the fire, Melonie Dziwenka with Morinville Family and Community Support Services said she is keeping track of people who offered to donate items, in case the victims need them later on.
So far, only one family has come forward in need of help. She is now working with them through victim services and the Midstream Support Society. She has not heard from the other families.
“So we believe at this point that they have been taken care of,” she said.
Residents impacted by Saturday’s fire can still contact Dziwenka at 780-939-7833, or call the Midstream Society at 780-939-3593.
