REGINA - There has been another commercial fire in Regina, this time on the 400 block of Albert Street.
The fire happened at the location of Luiggi’s Pasta House, a well-known restaurant on the north end of Albert Street. Regina Fire and Protective Services said in a news release that at 4:13 p.m. on Jan. 10, they responded to a report of a possible blown transformer.
On arrival, they noted significant damage to the building, with a fire actively burning in the southwest corner. The building, which contained six businesses including Luiggi’s, was evacuated by firefighters.
Regina Fire reports the fire had spread into the attic space, but said in their news release firefighters were able to bring the fire under control and contain it quickly.
The investigation is under way. In speaking to reporters Thursday, Fire Chief Layne Jackson noted this was “more of an explosion” at that location.
“We have investigators right there on scene today with some heavy equipment. It’s going to be a multi agency investigation so we’ll have folks from the deal with the gas industry,” said Jackson. SaskEnergy is on the scene assisting in the investigation, and so are police and the fire department, Jackson confirmed.
On Facebook, Luiggi’s posted this statement:
“As lots of you have already heard, Luiggi’s had a major explosion due to a gas leak in the south side of the building. Thankfully we were not open for dinner service yet and no one was injured, all staff made it out safe. It’s a sad day for us and all our amazing supporters. Thank you for all the well wishes. Talk soon.”
In response to Luiggi's statement that a gas leak was the cause of the explosion, Jackson told reporters he “can’t confirm that, because we have investigators right now on scene, making sure they confirm all the details, and all the circumstances, and make sure they eliminate all potential causes when they finalize and confirm a final cause.”
While Luiggi’s staff reported no injuries, the fire department did state in their news release there were minor injuries to three individuals.
This is yet another commercial fire in the last few months that the Regina fire department has had to deal with, following a scrap metal fire last month at Wheat City Metals north of the city, and another major fire at Battery Depot previous to that. Earlier in 2023, the heritage building Gordon Block in downtown Regina was ordered demolished following a major fire there.
There have also been house fires within the city, including two in December in which there were fatalities reported at both scenes.
Fire Chief Jackson acknowledged to reporters that winter is typically a time of year when there is an increase seen of structure fires.
“People are indoors a lot more, they’re doing things inside. And of course the heating season is here, so all of those different type of appliances that come out to help folks stay warm, they do increase the risks of structure fires.”
