BREAKING: HUB Mall evacuated, Edmonton Fire on-scene

The University of Alberta HUB Mall and residence were evacuated as large amounts of steam escaped from the building.

Fire alarms started going off around 12:10 p.m. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services deployed and were on-scene. Many firefighters and U of A Facilities and Operations personnel congregated around the HUB overpass to Rutherford Library. At around 12:55 p.m. the building was given the all-clear and occupants were allowed to return inside.

In a statement, UAPS inspector James Elkow said there was a steam leak in a mechanical room; there was no smoke or fire, just steam. Once discovered, the systems were reset and the all-clear was provided.

U of A Facilities and Operations said the machinery in the undisclosed mechanical room within HUB is being cooled. The process will take some time, meaning steam will still be visibly emanating from HUB Mall.

When the situation was still unfolding a University of Alberta Protective Services (UAPS) spokesperson said the incident at HUB Mall was “still fluid” and the priority was to ensure if students and stakeholders are evacuated.

At first, UAPS was unsure of the cause of the steam or potential smoke, or if there even was a fire. In an update, provided before 1 p.m. by Elkow, they confirmed the steam leak.

UPDATE: The article was updated at 1:15 p.m. on November 19 to reflect new information from UAPS about the cause of the evacuation.

At 1:32 p.m. the article was updated again to incorporate further information from U of A Facilities and Operations.