Crews work to extinguish massive warehouse fire in north central Edmonton
Posted August 21, 2025 8:42 am.
Last Updated August 21, 2025 6:55 pm.
Edmonton fire crews responded to a massive second-alarm fire at a warehouse in the north central part of Edmonton on Wednesday night.
Heavy smoke and flames were seen pouring from the Architectural Clearinghouse on 119 Street and Kingsway.
The first call came in at 9:32 p.m., and 10 crews were involved in fighting the blaze. It was ruled under control by 2:35 a.m.
Edmonton Fire tells CityNews two crews were still working to extinguish the fire by late Thursday morning.
By Thursday afternoon, free crews could be seen using backhoes to take down walls, still trying to get the fire under control.
“There’s a lot of fuel load inside the building, so that created challenges for us in trying to control this fire,” said Darren Rachkewich, the district fire chief.
Investigators couldn’t say what caused the fire, but we’re seen looking into the alleyway behind the building. Additionally, there have been no reported injuries.
“Due to the fire in our building last night, we will (be) closed until further notice,” Architectural Clearinghouse wrote on its Instagram. “Thank you for your continued care and support.”
The Architectural Clearinghouse had stood since 1988, the owners sharing their devastation, seeing the rubble after nearly four decades in the community.
“This is our family business, you know we’ve been… sorry,” said manager Brenda Mydlak, who saw her family’s livelihood destroyed. Her brother broke the news to her before midnight Wednesday.
“My brother and myself have worked here for years. We just did the best that we could, and now it’s all gone,” said Mydlak.
Mydlak says the community and neighbouring businesses have always been supportive, especially now in this difficult time.
“It does help. All those messages help. It’s sad to see your life’s work, and your dad’s life’s work go up in flames.”
The Mydlak’s took over the Architectural Clearinghouse in 1994, working to keep used or unwanted household items and supplies out of the landfill through resale. Now, they’re unsure as to what’s next.
“We’re very proud of what we do, and we do want to continue doing it, it’s just, how we’re going to do that moving forward, we don’t know.”
