A fire ripped through the Citadel Mews in St. Albert, Alta., on Thursday night, causing extensive fire, smoke and water damage. The fire broke out just before 8 p.m. As a precaution, residents and staff from the adjoining building, Citadel Care Centre, were evacuated. Staff at the Citadel Care Centre are members of USW Local 1-207.
Steelworkers along with first responders and volunteers safely evacuated 129 residents at Citadel Care Centre in under 45 minutes.
“This was a mammoth effort for our members as they had to quickly work in difficult conditions, without power, to safely evacuate the residents,” said Ray White, USW Local 1-207 President. “This situation is the worst nightmare for any long-term care worker and we would like to thank all involved for their bravery and the care they provided to their residents during this difficult time. We will be working closely with the management team in the days to come to make sure our members’ needs are taken care of.”
While three people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and minor lacerations, all of our members, residents and staff are safe and being cared for at other locations.
“My heart goes out to all the families and staff affected by the fire,” said Stephen Hunt, USW Director for Western Canada. “Our Steelworkers did a great job to evacuate everyone safely. I want to say thank you to our members and the firefighters involved for your courage, dedication and professionalism during this emergency at Citadel. You are all heroes.”
The fire was fully extinguished just after 9:00 a.m. on Friday.
This afternoon, the employer agreed to pay anyone who was scheduled to work until such time as the residents return back to the home. The employer is anticipating bringing residents back on Sunday or Monday.
Ray White, USW Local 1-207 President, 780-288-5885, rwhite@steel207.ca
Stephen Hunt, USW District 3 Director, 604-816-2554, shunt@usw.ca
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