CALGARY — A patch of black ash covered snow outside a Calgary home improvement store where three people died Monday in a shed fire.
There was nothing left of the shed, one of about a dozen on display in the parking lot outside a Lowe's in the city's northwest.
A fire official said it's believed the three had been using the shed for shelter.
"When fire crews arrived and extinguished the fire, they tragically found three bodies inside," said fire department spokeswoman Carol Henke.
"The fire is under investigation and we are working together with (police) arson detectives, which is standard procedure."
Police said in a statement that officers were working to determine if the fire was criminal.
Flames damaged one side of an orange cherry picker, and a neighbouring shed was partially melted. Some garbage, a mattress, blankets and a shopping cart were piled up against some nearby trees.
Yellow police tape was strung around the fire site, but the store remained open.
Lynnda McCaw, 79, was on her way inside to do some shopping when she spotted the scene.
"I find it extremely sad," McCaw said.
"To have a fire here where people get hurt and die — it's unbelievable."
One man said last week he saw some homeless people in one of the sheds, and police were called.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2023.
Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press
