BOWDEN – An investigation is underway into the cause of a fire that erupted at the abandoned former Bowden Hotel early this morning.
Just after midnight on Jan. 1, Olds RCMP said they received a complaint of a fire at the abandoned building located at 1919 20th Avenue.
“Upon arrival, the hotel was completely engulfed in flames and fire crews worked diligently to extinguish the fire. The scene has been secured and RCMP will work closely with fire investigators to determine a possible cause,” police said in a press release issued today.
It is not believed that anyone was inside at the time of the fire as the building has been abandoned for some time, police said.
A developer who had expressed interest in renovating the former Bowden Hotel dropped those plans in early 2021.
Olds Fire Department was called for a mutual aid assist and worked with crews from Bowden and Innisfail.
Olds RCMP are asking the public's assistance for any information in relation to the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Olds RCMP at 403-556-3324 or their local police. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
