MAYERTHORPE, Alberta, November 14, 2026 — A fire involving multiple buildings along Crockett/50th Street in Mayerthorpe brought emergency crews to the area on Saturday and prompted a warning for residents to stay away as heavy smoke spread nearby.
The Town of Mayerthorpe asked residents on Saturday morning, November 14, to limit their water use for the next 24 hours because of the fire, according to CTV News.
The three businesses destroyed were The Gym 2.0, Mayerthorpe Hardware and Thyme for Health & Herbs, former mayor Janet Jabush said in a statement reported by Big West Country.
Mayerthorpe RCMP were called to assist at about 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Investigators are examining the circumstances of the fire and have asked anyone who witnessed unusual activity or has footage from the downtown area around the time of the blaze to contact police.
Lac Ste. Anne County asked people to avoid the affected street and surrounding blocks, keeping access clear for fire trucks and emergency personnel responding to the blaze.
In its official fire advisory, the county confirmed that buildings along the corridor were involved and issued precautions for people living or visiting nearby.
Residents were advised to remain away from the smoke plume, reduce time outdoors and close exterior doors and windows. The county also asked people to switch off ventilation equipment that pulls outdoor air into buildings.
Reeve Jurgen Preugschas expressed support for those affected and thanked firefighters and first responders for their work protecting lives and property.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this fire today,” Preugschas said.
He urged the public to support emergency crews by keeping their distance from the scene.
In a message to residents, Mayerthorpe’s mayor said:
“Today, our community is facing a difficult and heartbreaking moment following the fire in our community that has resulted in the loss of three local businesses.
“On behalf of the Town of Mayerthorpe, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the business owners, their families, and everyone who has been directly affected by this devastating event. These businesses are more than just buildings. They represent years of hard work, dedication, personal investment, and relationships built within our community. Behind every business are people, families, livelihoods, and dreams.”
“I would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our firefighters, emergency services personnel, first responders, and everyone who worked tirelessly to respond to this incident. Other than our own, we had stations from Sangudo, Cherhill, and Blue Ridge extend their help and support. Their dedication, courage, and commitment to protecting our community deserve our deepest appreciation. To the twenty individuals that came to our aide, thank you.”
“There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead for those directly impacted, and recovery will take time. But if there is one thing that defines Mayerthorpe, it is the strength of our people and the way we come together when times are difficult.”
Mayerthorpe’s local fire response
Mayerthorpe, northwest of Edmonton, is served by a paid on-call fire department. The town’s emergency services information lists 21 members and two cadets, with equipment including two fire engines, a water tanker and a rescue unit.
The community has previously rebuilt after a major building fire. The original Mayerthorpe Exhibition Centre, constructed in 1972, was destroyed on July 29, 2008. Its replacement officially opened on May 28, 2011, supported by neighbouring municipalities, corporate sponsors and community donations.
Saturday’s response follows another recent Canadian building fire covered by Swikblog: the Milton blaze at a former Habitat ReStore, where smoke prompted the evacuation of a neighbouring condominium.
Lac Ste. Anne County directed residents to follow instructions from emergency personnel and monitor its official channels for updates, while reserving 911 calls for emergencies.
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