Fire crews from High River along with a ladder truck from Okotoks were called about six Monday night (April 10) for a fire at the Bob Snodgrass Rec Plex.

David Linthorne, co-owner of the Home Hardware just to the west of the Rec Plex parking lot says he was just closing up the store when it happened.

"We heard a really loud bang, my yard guy who was helping the last customer of the day yelled 'Dave call 9-1-1, the rink is on fire and I saw the large black plumes of smoke coming out and called 9-1-1 and it sounded like I was one of four or five people who called".

Deputy Fire Chief Trevor Allen says they got the call about a structure fire.

"High River fire responded with about five apparatus, we also called for a ladder from Okotoks and an engine from Blackie and the Foothills Fire Chief to lend me some administrative support," he says. "Something was obviously happening up on the roof today, I have an unconfirmed report that there was a roofing crew on the roof today, I have not confirmed that yet, I have to meet with the manager of the recreation facility, but the fire was contained to the roof area."

He gave credit to the town staff on hand at the time, who managed to get everyone out safely and quickly.

He says the building will remain closed Monday night and once they know more the Town will determined when it will reopen for users.