Calgary warehouse fire at CSI EPC sends towering black smoke over northeast
Calgary warehouse fire at CSI EPC on July 28, 2026 sent thick smoke across the northeast sky; firefighters tackled flames at 3007 – 16 St. N.E. as the cause was probed.
A Calgary warehouse fire at CSI EPC erupted on the evening of July 28, 2026, sending large plumes of black smoke over northeast Calgary and drawing dozens of onlookers to the area. The blaze, first reported around 6:45 p.m., appeared to be concentrated on the roof of the two-storey industrial building at 3007 – 16 St. N.E. Emergency crews responded quickly and mounted an aerial attack as residents watched from nearby streets and the McCall Lake golf course.
Fire Ignited on Roof of Two-Storey Building
Witnesses reported flames and thick smoke pouring from the upper portions of the structure shortly after the first calls to emergency services. Observers said the fire developed rapidly and produced dense, dark smoke that could be seen for blocks across the neighbourhood. Fire crews focused operations on bringing the rooftop blaze under control while keeping the surrounding area clear for safety.
Calgary Fire Department Response and Tactics
Calgary Fire Department units arrived on scene within minutes and deployed ladder trucks to attack the fire from above, officials said. Crews worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent properties, using elevated water streams and coordinated ventilation tactics. Firefighters also established perimeters to limit civilian access while assessment and suppression continued into the night.
Business Identified as CSI EPC; Services Noted
The building houses a company identified by signage as CSI EPC, a firm known to offer data security, remarketing services and managed logistics including IT disposal. There was no immediate public statement from company representatives at the scene, and investigators noted they would need time to determine whether any materials inside the facility played a role in the fire’s behavior. City officials confirmed the structure is a two-storey warehouse-type facility located a block north of 32nd Avenue N.E.
Witnesses Describe Chaos and Concern
People who watched the fire said they were shocked by the scale of the smoke and the intensity of the flames. “We saw huge clouds of black smoke and we told others to move back,” said witness Omar Hossain, describing the scene near the golf course. Another witness, Ali Talitohme, said flames rose many feet above the roofline and that he briefly feared for anyone who might have been inside. Both men said they saw one or two people exit the building before firefighters arrived.
No Immediate Injuries Reported; Safety Measures Enforced
Fire officials reported no immediate injuries to the public or emergency personnel during the initial response, and paramedics were on standby as crews worked at the site. Authorities advised residents in the nearby area to avoid the scene and to close windows and doors to minimize smoke exposure. City crews monitored air quality locally as part of the safety response, and a section of streets around 3007 – 16 St. N.E. remained restricted for operations.
Investigation to Determine Cause of Blaze
The origin and cause of the Calgary warehouse fire are now under investigation by fire investigators and city officials, who will examine the structure, materials inside and available video or witness evidence. Early reports indicated the fire was concentrated on the roof, but investigators cautioned that it was too soon to draw conclusions about probable cause. Inspectors will also review whether any hazardous materials or electronic waste stored on site influenced the fire’s intensity.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The fire drew residents and motorists to the area and briefly disrupted traffic on nearby thoroughfares; local businesses reported heightened concern as crews worked to secure the scene. City emergency management and fire officials said they would provide updates as more information becomes available and urged anyone with photos or video of the blaze to share them with investigators. Property owners and managers in the vicinity were advised to check buildings and confirm that no embers or smouldering hotspots remained following suppression efforts.
Emergency crews remained on site into the night conducting overhaul and ensuring the structure was safe before investigators fully entered the building to continue their work.
