Fire investigators have determined a massive inferno at a Mill Woods senior’s complex at the end of May was deliberately set.
“We suspected arson from day one,” said Carrington Properties president Ken Ferchoff.
“The building wasn’t under construction, nothing was defective — buildings don’t just decide one day they’re going to burn.”
About 160 seniors fled the burning Lifestyle Options complex at 4069 —106 St. around 3:30 a.m. on May 31.
All escaped unscathed, except one resident who suffered minor injuries.
“Some had nowhere to go and were left standing outside with a diaper on,” Ferchoff said.
About 50 seniors were placed in vacant rooms owned by Carrington Properties, the developer of the 11-year-old building.
“Words can’t describe how we feel. The seniors’ lives were there — everything they owned. Family pictures, hearing aids, false teeth. It’s just such a sad situation,” Ferchoff said.
Original damage estimates have doubled to $30 million.
Fire investigators have turned the file over to the Edmonton Police Services Arson Unit.
Police have not yet released how the blaze was sparked, where it originated, or if there are any suspects in mind.
