Firefighters tackle blaze at Lake Louise housing complex: RCMP

Mounties in Lake Louise are on the scene of a fire at the Charleston Residence Monday.

Firefighters and RCMP responded to the ski hotel fire around noon, and says everyone staying inside has been evacuated.

In the meantime, buses are transporting people to a muster point at the Lake Louise ski hill, adding resources are in place for them.

Police ask those going to the ski hill to sign in.

We are assisting #LakeLouise Fire Dept. with notifying and evacuating the Charleston Residence Hotel due to a fire. Buses are transporting people to a muster point at Lake Louise ski hill where resources will be available. People who go to the ski hill are asked to sign in pic.twitter.com/9TF7uMR293

— RCMP Alberta (@RCMPAlberta) July 3, 2023

Dan Markham, a spokesperson with the Lake Louise Ski Resort, believes the “entire building will probably be consumed by the fire.”

He says the cause is unknown at this time and that about 150 to 200 staff members were staying at the complex.

“Right now, we are most concerned about the safety and welfare of the staff that were living in those accommodations,” he explained.

In the meantime, he says the Lake Louise Summer Gondola operations and restaurants will be closed for a few days “until we can determine what’s next.” However, the hub for Lake Louise Transportation will continue to operate as usual.

When it comes to supporting those affected, he says local Banff and Lake Louise hotels are providing resources and accommodations.

“We’ve had tremendous support from the community. And it’s been really great from that perspective, despite the serious situation involved,” Markham said.

The Canmore Fire Fighters Association said on social media it has a crew of four helping respond to the fire.

The Charleston Residence is a three-story log building that is nearly 100,000 square feet that houses those that operate ski hills.

People on social media are sharing photos and videos of the blaze.

Massive fire at Lake Louise… praying everyone got out safely ???? pic.twitter.com/mJgisDmhko

— Alyssa Wadey (@AlyssaWadey) July 3, 2023

Big fire at the Lake Louise staff accommodation building. Picture is from a friend who lives there and has likely lost everything… pic.twitter.com/EEDED7xkec

— Alannah Franks (@AlannahFranks) July 3, 2023

Forest fire just off the highway at Lake Louise Alberta pic.twitter.com/KVikno2NGG

— Triple M (@MalleshMagdum) July 3, 2023

 

-With files from Cole Schisler