Inferno Engulfs Historic Former Ogden Legion Building in Calgary

A shocking inferno ripped through the vacant former Ogden Legion building in southeast Calgary early Friday morning, leaving a cherished community landmark in ruins. The massive blaze, which ignited around 1:30 a.m., sent plumes of smoke billowing into the pre-dawn sky, drawing a swift and robust response from the Calgary Fire Department (CFD).

Upon arrival at the address on 2625 78 Ave.

S.E., fire crews were confronted by a fully involved structure. Flames were already consuming the building, which had been boarded up and unoccupied for some time, making the task of containment incredibly challenging. Witnesses reported a harrowing scene as firefighters immediately adopted a defensive stance, prioritizing the safety of their personnel given the intensity and advanced stage of the fire.

As the battle against the blaze raged, the structural integrity of the old building rapidly deteriorated.

The intense heat eventually led to a catastrophic roof collapse, forcing firefighters to briefly evacuate the premises for their own safety. Once the immediate danger subsided, crews bravely transitioned back to an offensive strategy, working tirelessly to extinguish the remaining hotspots and prevent further spread.

District Chief Brian Lees confirmed the extensive damage to the building, noting the significant structural compromise that rendered the structure unsafe.

Despite the ferocity of the fire and the dangers involved, there were no reported injuries to either the public or emergency responders, a testament to the skill and caution of the CFD.

The fire remains under investigation, with officials working to determine the cause of the destructive blaze.

What was once a vibrant hub for the Ogden community, hosting countless gatherings and events, now stands as a charred shell, a stark reminder of the night a piece of local history went up in smoke.