West end apartment fire deliberately set

Fire investigators have determined that a three-alarm blaze at a west Edmonton apartment building was deliberately set.

Fire crews were called to the Westlawn Village around 9:00 Thursday evening and worked for hours to contain the blaze.

No injuries were reported however, 47 residents have been left without homes to return to, after about half of the suites were destroyed in the 48 unit building.

At the peak of the fire, more than 70 firefighters from 18 units were fighting the blaze. The fire was declared under control at 11:30p.m. Crews remained on scene, putting out hot spots well into Friday morning. The fire was officially declared out around 5:40a.m.

The City of Edmonton's Emergency Social Services opened a reception centre nearby where displaced residents were able to rest, have food, have their needs assessed and connect with services like the Red Cross.

Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society is also assisting those displaced by the blaze.

The group is asking for help from the public; requesting the following donations:

- Unopened toiletries
- Bedding
- Gently used, basic clothing items
- Towels and facecloths
- Basic kitchen supplies
- Basic furniture items

All donations must be clean and in good condition. Financial donations are also needed.

Donations can be dropped off Friday and Saturday at 10255 104 St between 10 am and 3 pm and Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 3 pm next week. For more information, please call (780) 428-4422.

Individuals affected by this fire who require Red Cross assistance should call 1-888-800-6493 or go online to www.redcross.ca.

Edmonton Police will continue with the investigation.

The damage estimate has been increased to $2 million for the building and $300,000 for contents.