Investigation into Fort Steele fire in early stages

An investigation into what caused a fire at Fort Steele Heritage Town is still in the early stages.

Crews with the Cranbrook Fire Department responded to a blaze at the heritage site’s gift shop and cafe around 6:00 pm Sunday night.

Director of Fire and Emergency Services Scott Driver says crews were able to put the fire out quickly after arriving on the scene.

“The sprinklers did operate inside the building and kept the fire contained to where it had pushed through the windows from the outside towards the side of the building,” Driver says.

Driver says there was extensive fire damage on the outside of the building.

“There will be some water damage definitely due to the sprinklers and our fire suppression efforts, but the building is still certainly standing,” Driver says. “The majority of the fire damage was on the exterior, under a porch and some of the roof materials. Hopefully the building can be repaired.”

One person suffered minor injuries and no animals were harmed in the incident.

Driver says the Fire Commissioner’s Office and RCMP are investigating the cause of the blaze.

A post on Fort Steele Heritage Town’s social media says everyone is safe and all animals are accounted for.

– Scott Driver – Director of Fire and Emergency Services, Cranbrook Fire Department