Fire destroyed The Royal on Sept. 16, 2022. (Photo Courtesy Chris Brown)

By Chris Brown

Investigators waiting on forensic testing in probe of Royal fire

Oct 14, 2022 | 4:09 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Tears were shed last month when a fire engulfed The Royal, destroying the downtown Medicine Hat landmark.

Four weeks later the structure remains fenced off and burned debris is piled right next to the former hotel and live music venue.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the blaze that started around 8 a.m. on Sept. 16, says fire prevention officer Grayson Smith of Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services.

He says Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services has completed its investigation and sent some items for forensic testing by a third-party organization.

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“So at this time, it does not appear to be suspicious however … we won’t make a final ruling until we’re able to have those analyzed, review them and then have them either support or refute the current stage where we’re at in the investigation,” Smith explains, adding they hope to get those results in the next week or two. “A lot of times with third-party companies it really just depends on the organization and in this case because it’s sensitive, because it’s a large fire, it could take a bit of time.”

READ MORE: Tributes and memories flood in after morning fire engulfs The Royal

Meanwhile, Medicine Hat Police Service says the investigation is ongoing into a second fire at The Royal site that happened on Oct. 2.

Smith says he knows people may want to pay respects at the site, but asks that you keep your distance and stay outside the fenced area.