Get insurance, fire officials warn in wake of S.W. blaze

Fire officials are stressing the importance for renters to have insurance as they investigate a weekend fire that destroyed an apartment complex in southwest Calgary.

Officials are letting insurance officials examine the property in the 500 block of Woodridge Terrace S.W. that went up in flames at around midnight on Saturday.

There were no injuries in the fire. But the six families that were living in the complex are now without homes.

Only one family was insured, said Larry Fisher, the battalion chief.

"Content insurance is very critical. It doesn't cost a great deal of money and it gives you great deal of peace of mind," he said.

Some of the affected residents are staying with family or friends while others are working with the Calgary Emergency Management Agency to find temporary shelter.

"My daughter was just watching TV and somebody just started pounding on the door," said Audrey Tynan.

Battalion Chief Ernie Molineaux said it usually takes about 48 hours before it can be determined how such a fire started.

Damage to the building was so extensive it might have to be demolished, officials said.