This morning (February 13) Airdrie Fire crews had to respond to an incident at the workplace of the bosses.

Just after 11:00 am, firefighters were called to City Hall on Main Street after reports of the smell of smoke in the building.  Deputy Fire Chief Garth Rabel says when crews arrived, everyone was out of the building.

"Prior to arrival, all occupants had evacuated.  They initiated their emergency action plan and had evacuated safely outside.  When crews entered the building, crews did find a pungent, burnt odour, but no visible smoke or flame."

Rabel says crews then conducted a thorough search of the building's interior floors and exterior roof area and that's where the problem was found.

"That's where the HVAC units are found.  They determined that one of the units were damaged, a burnt belt had failed and that's what put the odour throughout the building."

Crews then isolated the power to the unit in order that it can be repaired safely.  It will be out of service until the repairs are completed.  After that, according to Rabel, crews completed their work.

"They ventilated the building and completed some air quality monitoring.  That took about two and a half hours to get the whole scenario under control and once it was deemed safe, city staff were able to return to their workplace."

Rabel says no one was injured in the incident.  Four pieces of fire apparatus and 13 firefighters were on scene. 

Comments? Questions? Story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com