Huge fire rips through Edmonton warehouse as more than 100 firefighters tackle blaze

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services say no injuries have been reported, but residents in three adjacent neighbourhoods have been told to shelter in place because of heavy smoke.

More than 100 firefighters were battling a major industrial fire in north Edmonton on Friday morning after flames tore through a 60,000-square-foot warehouse near Yellowhead Trail.

The blaze broke out shortly before 4 a.m. local time. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services said the building, which housed a logistics company storing flammable packaging materials, was already “fully involved” by the time the first crews arrived.

Officials issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents of three adjacent neighbourhoods because of heavy black smoke drifting south on a light wind. Yellowhead Trail was closed in both directions for several kilometres and Alberta Health Services warned anyone with respiratory issues to stay indoors.

“We expect to be on scene for the rest of the day,” said Deputy Chief Brian Kornaga. “Once the roof comes down, it becomes a defensive operation. The priority now is keeping the surrounding buildings cold and protecting our crews.”

The cause of the fire is not yet known. No injuries have been reported. The Office of the Fire Marshal will begin its investigation once the scene is safe to enter, which fire officials said may not happen for at least 48 hours.