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Fire Prompts Evacuation at Crave Appetite
Fire Prompts Evacuation at Crave Appetite
Tammy Hewitt - News Advertiser
Just before lunch on June 6, Vegreville Fire Services (VFS) responded to a call in the Crave Appetite building.
Mitch Newton, Manager of Protective Services, stated, “At approximately 11:45 a.m. on June 6, Vegreville Fire Services (VFS) responded to reports of a structure fire on 50th Avenue (Highway 16A). Thanks to a prompt response and coordinated efforts by fire crews, the blaze was quickly brought under control.”
VFS reported that two engines, one rescue unit, and two support vehicles were dispatched with ten firefighters.
The exact location of the fire was on the north side of the building in a section once used as a nightclub called Gazoo’s. There had been rumors as to the cause being a gas leak but this has been ruled out by the VFS at this time. Newton goes on to say that, “While VFS has confirmed that a gas leak was not the cause of the fire, the exact cause remains under investigation. All occupants of the building had safely evacuated prior to the arrival of emergency responders, and no injuries were reported.”
During the emergency, Hwy 16A between 60 St and 62 St were blocked off for most of the afternoon. A fire hose was seen crossing from outside the Ford dealership which also caused a barrier to traffic coming through. Traffic was diverted by Emcon crews causing the public to make use of businesses outside the blocked area. Longer lines than usual were seen at businesses in the Galleria Shops as patrons were prevented from going further west.
Staff from the restaurant could be seen sitting at the picnic tables on the edge of the Petro Can parking lot.
After hotspots were put out, large fans were brought in to help with the heavy smoke damage throughout the Crave restaurant and the Vegreville Garden Inn. Reopening of the restaurant is unknown at this time.
