The Ramada hotel on Westside Drive is, once again, on fire, and nearby Glenbow Elementary School has been evacuated due to concerns over smoke and poor air quality.
The fire was last believed to be put out around 2:30 p.m. yesterday (Feb. 7) around 24 hours after it sparked.
It started smouldering again this morning around 11 a.m. and black smoke could be seen billowing from what is left of the roof after safety demolition crews uncovered some additional hot spots which turned into active flames due to windy conditions.
Cochrane Fire Services will be actively managing hot spots this afternoon as light to medium smoke continues to pour out from the site. According to a town press release, there is no concern or risk of building re-ignition at this time.
Residents in the Glenbow area, however, may be experiencing smoky conditions around their homes and are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed.
Those who live in the area and have respiratory issues may wish to consider leaving the area until air quality improves.
Students at Glenbow Elementary were evacuated to the nearby Cochrane Alliance Church and parents are being asked to follow direction from the school.
Upon initial assessments of damage to the building yesterday, it is already believed to be a total loss for owner Canalta Hotels.
Westside Drive is currently closed off to allow firefighters to work and to secure the building while investigations into the initial cause of the fire proceed.
