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Pincher Creek hotel fire -- credit to Jody Robertson

Historic Pincher Creek hotel destroyed by fire

Feb 16, 2020 | 8:44 AM

PINCHER CREEK – The historic and century-old King Edward Hotel in Pincher Creek has been gutted by fire.

As of late morning Saturday, fire crews continued to douse the smouldering ruins of the building, with only the front façade of the three storey building still standing. The weight of the upper balconies eventually toppled into the street.

By 4:00-pm, the entire building was destroyed.

The hotel, at 729 Main Street, was built in 1904 and purchased by David McQuaig in 2006, to be refurbished.

RCMP and Pincher Creek Emergency Services were dispatched to the hotel around 4:00 Saturday (Feb 15) morning.

Everyone was evacuated safely without injury and the surrounding area was also evacuated. Fire crews contained the fire to the hotel and were scheduled to remain on site over night to watch for hot spots.

Main street in front of the hotel remains closed to foot and vehicle traffic.

A reception centre was set up for those needing assistance at the Town Hall Gym, 962 St. John Ave.

Residents that have been evacuated are asked to check in to the reception centre in person or via phone at 1-855-627-5365.

The investigation is ongoing and there are no other details at this time.