Edmonton Fire Rescue Services shoulder badge. File photo.
An early morning fire in south Edmonton that occurred as Edmonton Police carried out a court order has now left 7 people hospitalised.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services reported a fire at approximately 12:45 a.m.
Coincidentally, Edmonton City Police had been called to the same apartment building hours prior.
According to EPS, they were to help another police agency carry out a court orer against a male that reportedly barricaded himself inside his suite.
Negotiations began with the man around 5 p.m. according to police.
“While police were on scene, a fire broke out in the suite where the subject male resided, and the building had to be evacuated,” as per a police spokesperson via email.
According to EFRS, firefighters arrived roughly five minutes later.
Eight crews initially responded but that number had fluctuated throughout the morning.
Although an exact number of residents who were displaced has not been determined, numerous people could be seen being rescued from their balconies.
An Edmonton Tansit bus was brought to the scene to help displaced residents.
The man who was the subject of the initial court order was taken into custody early on. EPs did not give information regarding his age or details pertaining to the court order.
No details on the severity of the 7 injured residents or what may have caused the fire.
Fire investigators are now working to determine the cause of the blaze.
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