200+ Seasonal Employees Displaced By Raging Inferno At Popular Ski Resort
Over 200 employees of Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alberta are homeless after a raging inferno burned an employee resident building to the ground on Monday, July 3rd, 2023.
Lake Louise employee Dan Sawyer shared the photo below of the Charleston building burning in the blaze:
Here's what Sawyer said in his Facebook post about the tragedy:
"For anyone who hasn’t heard the news, yesterday the Lake Louise Charlestown residence fell under a horrible incident. Sadly for myself and over 200 people we have lost our homes in a devastating fire. We are all shocked after the events that have occurred and are left with little to no property. We have started a go fund me so if I could ask for everyone to share this news and help me and my friends out in this time of need, your act of kindness will never be forgotten. We’re staying strong and are getting through this terrible disaster together."
Authorities believe the building to be a total loss.
The resort acknowledged the incident with a post to their social media accounts. Check it out below:
Lake Louise Ski Resort: "We are shocked and devastated by today’s fire that destroyed our Charleson Residence. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident.
In this challenging time, we are united as a community, working to support our staff members who have lost their homes. As a result, the Summer Gondola will be closed for the next two days. Our parking lots and shuttle services will still be available. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and patience during this situation.
We are committed to providing assistance and resources to our amazing staff. Thank you for everyone’s support; it means the world to us as we navigate through this terrible situation.
Together we will rise above this challenge and emerge stronger than ever. ❤️
The cause of the fire was undetermined for a time, but we're now learning of what caused the destructive blaze. According to a report from the CBC, a 40-year-old man was charged with arson and possession of a weapon with a deadly purpose.
Our thoughts and condolences are with everybody who was effected by the blaze.
Watch below for more on the story from Global News:
Global News: About 165 Lake Louise Ski Resort employees have been displaced after the Charleston Residence was destroyed by a fire. On Monday, RCMP said a man had been charged with arson and possession of a weapon. "It was my home. I was most certainly settled in, had all my things in there... to have it gone and then everything that I owned gone... it definitely feels, you know, soul-shattering," Cam Potter, an evacuee, said. Jayme Doll reports on the response of the community during a difficult crisis."
More information about Lake Louise ski resort below.
Lake Louise Ski Resort Winter Stats/Info:
Vertical: 3,250 ft.
Skiable Terrain: 4,200 ac.
Average Snowfall: 179 in.
Trails: 164
Lifts: 11
Snowmaking: YES
Night Skiing: NO
Mega-Pass: Ikon Pass
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