Garneau Infill Multiplex Engulfed in Flames During Construction
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to a significant structure fire at a residential construction site in the Garneau neighbourhood on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m. near the intersection of 108 Street and 85 Avenue, where a three-storey infill multiplex was actively under construction.
Rapid Fire Response and Evacuation
Witnesses reported seeing visible flames shooting through the roof of the building as the fire advanced rapidly. Acting District Chief Kevin Seutter of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services noted that crews were already in the vicinity when the emergency call came in at 11:51 a.m., allowing for a swift response.
"Flames were going through the roof of the building and advancing fast as crews arrived," Seutter told reporters. Firefighters worked diligently to knock down the flames, bringing the fire under control by 12:36 p.m.
Residents in homes on either side of the burning structure were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Some of these adjacent buildings suffered water damage during firefighting operations.
Eyewitness Accounts and Structural Damage
Fuwei Wen, a recent University of Alberta graduate who lives next to the construction site, described waking up to find firefighters already working at the scene. "I saw the fire; it's pretty bad," Wen said. "I saw the third storey start collapsing."
Wen assisted his roommates and neighbours with evacuation as the situation unfolded. The structural integrity of the building became a significant concern as the fire progressed.
No Injuries Reported and Ongoing Investigation
Fortunately, Seutter confirmed there were no injuries resulting from the fire. He expressed hope that evacuated residents would be able to return to their homes once crews could secure the structural stability of the affected building.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities. Firefighters continued to douse the three-storey structure with water throughout the afternoon to ensure complete extinguishment.
This incident highlights the potential hazards associated with construction sites and the importance of rapid emergency response in densely populated urban neighbourhoods like Garneau.
