Above: Part of the Morinville Plaza and Suites sits in ruins after a fire on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 6. – Stephen Dafoe Photo
The Morinville Fire Department was dispatched at 8:04 p.m. after a 911 call was received indicating there was a fire at the Morinville Plaza and Suites located at 10219 100 Avenue.
Crews arrived on the scene at 8:13 p.m., and Highway 642 was closed between 102 Street and 103 Street while firefighters worked to contain the scene. Approximately 35 firefighters responded to the call.
Morinville Fire Department called in mutual aid from Gibbons, Legal, and St. Albert. Approximately 35 firefighters are on scene.
RCMP said Monday morning that upon arrival, the fire was affecting the second floor of the two-storey suite part of the building. Fire crews and RCMP officers cleared the structure of any occupants, and no injuries or loss of life from the fire were reported.
Morinville Family and Community Services and Sturgeon Victim Services work to provide assistance to the approximately 27 residents evacuated in the fire at the reception centre.
Kal McDonald of Coach’s Corner put out a call for blankets to assist the Legion in their efforts to help the displaced. Within a short period of time, residents had donated more than enough materials.
The building is home to four businesses-Uncle Sam’s Cannabis, Cell-Tech, Morinville Pizza and Asian Garden Restaurant. Police say those businesses attached to the damaged structure will be assessed this morning.
Currently, 103 Street at 100 Avenue is blocked while awaiting a perimeter fence to be set up. All other roads adjacent to the address are accessible.
Fire investigators will continue their investigation, and police say there is no suspicious activity related to this incident.
The Morinville Plaza and Suites began its life in 1903 as the Alberta Hotel. That building was demolished in 1972 and replaced with the current building, then called the Frontiersman Hotel. The building was renovated and renamed Morinville Plaza and Suites in 2009.
Below are photos by Lucie Roy
Below are some photos submitted by Monica Bissonnette
Below is a video submitted by Amy Durgan
