A Night of Fire and Despair

In the heart of Edmonton, a family-run treasure trove of used building materials, the Architectural Clearinghouse, was reduced to ashes in a harrowing overnight fire. It all began on Wednesday night at around 9:30 PM, when fire crews received an urgent 911 call about a blaze raging at their warehouse on 119 Street near 115 Avenue.

Firefighters Battle the Inferno

Responding swiftly, District Chief Darren Rachkewich reported that the situation called for a second alarm, mobilizing nine fire crews to tackle the fierce blaze. "Upon arrival, we encountered heavy fire and smoke," he stated, emphasizing that an interior attack wasn't feasible and that firefighters shifted to a defensive strategy instead.

A Community's Loss

Established in 1988, the Architectural Clearinghouse specializes in salvaging used materials from renovation and demolition sites, offering them at affordable prices. Operations manager Brenda Mydlak (formerly Erdmann) shared in a 2023 interview how their work involved preserving historical items, sometimes salvaged from notable sites like Fort Edmonton.

Heartbreaking Aftermath

Mydlak's emotional state was palpable as she surveyed the devastation on Thursday morning. "I came down and it was… basically gone," she expressed, her voice trembling with shock and heartbreak. The reality of losing not only their livelihood but a legacy built over decades hit hard.

"It’s so sad to see your life’s work and your Dad’s life’s work go up in flames," she lamented, reflecting on the irreplaceable treasures lost within, including vintage glass doorknobs from 1925 and beautifully crafted fir doors.

A Glimmer of Hope?

Fortunately, members of the community have rallied behind them, sending messages of support that provide a small comfort during this dark time. Thankfully, no humans or pets were harmed in the ordeal, although Mydlak sadly noted the loss of the shop cat, Stanley, just a month prior.

The Fight Isn't Over

As fire investigators continued their work on Thursday, the exact cause of the inferno remained undetermined. Mydlak holds on to some hope that items stored outside may be salvageable, including their cube van, even as she prepares for the significant loss of their entire inventory.

"Family is everything and everything else is just everything else," Mydlak concluded, reminding us all of what truly matters amidst tragedy.