Overnight fire damages Calgary’s Bridgette Bar restaurant

A well-known restaurant in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood was heavily damaged in an overnight fire.

The blaze at Bridgette Bar broke out around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday on the rear deck of the building at 10 Avenue and 7 Street SW.

According to Calgary Fire Department (CFD) public information officer Alex Kwan, crews arrived to find flames and smoke billowing from the back exterior deck, with the fire spreading along the building’s perimeter.

Firefighters quickly deployed hose lines in the alley and managed to knock down the blaze before it reached the kitchen or main dining area.

Crews discovered a locked storage area beneath the deck and broke the lock to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. One firefighter sustained a minor injury during the entry and was treated on-site.

The damage was limited to a washroom and private dining room and the estimated cost is between $200,000 and $300,000. The restaurant was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Nearly a dozen fire truck and 32 firefighters responded to the scene.

Utility providers ATCO and Enmax were also present to shut off gas and electricity to the building. Thermal imaging confirmed no further fire extension or structural damage.

A CFD fire investigator confirmed the fire started on the back deck. No cause has been determined yet.

CFD is asking anyone who may have photos, videos, or information from before crews arrived to contact them at piofire@calgary.ca.