Calgary fire crews battle blaze at Inglewood Ol’ Beautiful Taproom
Posted Jun 30, 2024 7:42 am.
Last Updated Jun 30, 2024 3:42 pm.
Calgary firefighters worked to hose down a blaze at the Ol’ Beautiful Taproom in the southeast Inglewood area Sunday morning.
Crews arrived at the building on the 1100 block of 12 Street at around 2:30 a.m. to find smoke and flames visible from the outside.
Thirty firefighters wrangled with the blaze — which had fully consumed the interior and spread to the roof, causing it to collapse — for two and a half hours.
While firefighters were unable to enter and search the structure, they say it’s unexpected it had any occupants at the time of the fire.
Calgary police are on the scene managing road access, and ATCO Gas is assisting with shutting off utilities.
Fire investigators are currently figuring out the cause.
Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co. posted on social media saying no staff or guests were on site, and the taproom will be closed for the foreseeable future.
“Our beloved Inglewood taproom caught fire early this morning. No staff or guests were onsite and our neighbours at Cold Garden were able to safely evacuate,” the post reads.
“Our off-site production facility will continue producing all of our tasty beers which will still be available throughout the province on tap and in retail locations.
“We want to extend sincere gratitude to our community for the continued support as we navigate next steps following this devastating loss.”
As a result, drivers should be aware of closures on 12 Street and 11 Avenue throughout the day.
Cold Garden, a local favourite next door to Ol’ Beautiful, says it will be closed Sunday, while also asking residents to support the neighbourhood watering hole.
Amid Calgary’s water shortage, fire crews say it used nearly 1.2 million litres of water.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek said during the city’s daily water updates Sunday that she visited the location, the employees, and the fire department, saying how everyone was “devastated” by the loss.
“The building could not be saved,” she said. “However, everyone is incredibly thankful that no one was injured in this.”
“We have had a number of fires that have impacted many Calgarians in their homes and their businesses this past month. While we have also faced a water emergency. My heart is with all the families and the individuals who have been impacted by these fires.”
The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) asks citizens who have photos, videos, or information regarding this fire, especially before CFD’s arrival to please email piofire@calgary.ca.
CityNews has reached out to Ol’ Beautiful for comment.
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