EDMONTON - Fire investigators have determined the blaze that ripped through the Greenfield Condo fire on Wednesday evening, causing $5 million dollars of damage and displacing dozens, was started by an improperly discarded cigarette.
A couple on the second floor was the first to spot the fire starting on a third-floor balcony after noticing pieces of fiery debris floating down from the balcony above.
The blaze, which took about two hours to put out, ended up damaging all 38 suites in the complex, leaving its residents homeless.
The Red Cross is currently housing about 50 of the residents in a hotel for the time being, but the organization is only meant to provide people with 72 hours of assistance.
Many of the residents will need a lot more than that.
A newlywed couple, who lived right next door to where the fire started, has lost everything because they didn't have insurance.
"It's kind of just heartbreaking all of your stuff you just have to start back at square one. You don't realize it but all of your clothes and everything you have to buy over again," said David Prins. "You don't have much. You don't realize how much you have until you lose it."
April Williams, who's lived in the building for the past year, also didn't have renter's insurance, and like many, feels helpless having to start over with just the clothes on her back.
She's waiting to get inside her former home, and hopefully collect some things which can't be replaced.
"My mother just died in the end of May, and I want her pictures. I want to go in and get them right now but they won't let me."
It's still not know when residents will be allowed back into the building to collect what's left of their belongings.
In the meantime, the Red Cross will be assisting with taking care of the displaced residents' basic needs.
The organization says it has been responding to a high number of incidents recently, and is asking for cash donations to prepare for future emergencies. It says the average cost of helping a family of four is $2000. To donate, you can visit your local Red Cross office, call 1-800-418-1111 or visit their website.
Individuals and families who are affected and require Red Cross assistance should call 1-888-800-6493.
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