Fire damages vacant Ogden Legion building in SE Calgary

Firefighters responded to a blaze early Wednesday morning at the former Ogden Legion building in southeast Calgary.

At approximately 2:45 a.m., Calgary Fire Department crews were dispatched to the area near Ogden Road and 78 Avenue SE following reports of smoke.

Upon arrival, crews saw flames coming from the southeast corner of the vacant building.

Due to safety concerns noted in the building’s address records—including structural instability and potential health hazards—firefighters conducted exterior defensive operations only, using ladder trucks and two water towers. The initial response included 11 fire apparatus and 30 firefighters.

No injuries were reported, and no occupants were found during exterior visual checks. The building had been boarded up, and no witnesses were present at the time of the incident.

ATCO and Enmax confirmed that the building’s utilities had previously been disconnected.

Calgary Police temporarily closed Ogden Road, reopening it shortly after 6 a.m.

Later in the morning, crews returned to address smoke and a flare-up near a rooftop HVAC unit. Aerial equipment was used to extinguish the fire and monitor for hot spots.

ATCO crews returned to plug underground gas lines, and Enmax reconfirmed that all services remained shut off.

Due to structural instability, fire investigators were unable to enter the building until a demolition company was called in to assist with hazard mitigation.

The fire-damaged area—approximately one-third of the building—will be demolished to allow safe access for investigation.

The Ogden Legion building has been vacant for over a decade and was under a demolition order issued in 2023 due to safety and social concerns.

The fire remains under investigation. The City of Calgary will provide further updates regarding the building as information becomes available.