Calgary Firefighters Battle Blaze in Historic Wooden Building

UPDATE: Calgary firefighters have successfully extinguished a fire this morning at the historic Pain Block, the last remaining wooden building in downtown Calgary that survived the city’s devastating “great fire” of 1886. The blaze erupted just before 9 a.m. at the two-storey souvenir shop, Canadian Impressions, located on Eighth Avenue S.W.

Fire crews arrived on the scene to find smoke and flames emanating from the back alley side of the structure. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time, and firefighters quickly focused on minimizing damage to the building, which holds significant historical value.

According to Alex Kwan, a public information officer with the Calgary Fire Department, the bulk of the fire damage occurred on the building’s rear side, facing the alley. Firefighters gained access to the attic and utilized ladders to reach the roof, breaking through layers of roofing material to extinguish hot spots. The quick response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent sandstone buildings, a testament to the effectiveness of the emergency response team.

The Pain Block, constructed in 1885, was originally a general store for the American firm T.C. Power & Bro. It is a rare relic from a time when wooden structures were common in Calgary, prior to the catastrophic fire on November 7, 1886, which destroyed 18 buildings and caused losses exceeding $100,000. Following that disaster, Calgary transitioned to using sandstone in construction, earning the nickname “Sandstone City.”

Despite its historical significance, the Pain Block does not have protected heritage status. It gained prominence in 1933 when Thomas Pain Furriers occupied the space, solidifying its legacy. Officials from the Calgary Fire Department are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

As the situation develops, residents and historians alike are urged to stay informed about the status of this iconic building. The ongoing investigation will shed light on the circumstances leading to the fire and its potential impact on Calgary’s rich history.

This incident highlights the importance of preserving historical landmarks while ensuring the safety of the community. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.