An early morning fire on Friday caused significant damage to two popular establishments in Calgary's vibrant Beltline neighbourhood. The blaze, which resulted in no injuries, originated at Salt & Brick restaurant before spreading to the adjacent Greta Bar and Arcade.
Fire Crews Respond to Visible Flames
According to a press release from the Calgary Fire Department, crews were called to the 200 block of 10th Avenue S.W. where smoke and flames were visible from a single-storey structure in the alley. Firefighters worked to extinguish the main fire, but discovered smouldering areas that required them to cut away sections of the subfloor to fully contain the situation.
One fire truck and a fire investigator remained on the scene throughout the morning. As a result, a section of 10th Avenue S.W. between Second Street and Centre Street S.W. was closed to both eastbound and westbound traffic. Calgary Police assisted with the road closure, advising drivers to seek alternate routes.
No Injuries, Construction Site Unharmed
Officials confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. Calgary Fire public information officer Alex Kwong provided further reassurance, noting that an adjacent construction site, which includes a crane, was not impacted by the fire. Workers who arrived for their shift were given permission to proceed with their day.
This fire marks the second incident to affect a Beltline bar in recent weeks. Just over a month earlier, on November 4, the Bridgette Bar, located five blocks away on the 700 block of 10th Avenue S.W., experienced an early morning fire that started on a deck at the back of the building. That establishment managed to reopen on December 1 following repairs.
A Concerning Trend for Local Businesses
The back-to-back fires have raised concerns within the tight-knit business community of the Beltline, a district known for its dense concentration of restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. The quick response from emergency services prevented more severe damage and ensured public safety, but the incidents highlight the vulnerabilities faced by commercial properties.
Investigators are now working to determine the exact cause and origin of the fire that damaged Salt & Brick and Greta Bar. The full extent of the damage and the timeline for potential repairs and reopening remain unclear at this time.
