The Two Rivers Distillery in Calgary's Manchester Industrial area suffered extensive fire damage on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, but the owners have pledged to rebuild, according to a social media statement.
Fire Response and Containment
Calgary Fire Department crews responded to the distillery at 453 42nd Avenue S.E. around 3:45 p.m., said public information officer Alex Kwan. Firefighters found heavy smoke and visible flames coming from a bay door at the rear of the building. Crews quickly stretched a hose line, made a rapid entry, and contained the fire to the single business. A ladder truck was used to check the roof for flame extension into adjacent units. One neighbouring business, a dog grooming service, experienced some smoke exposure. Two employees and 20 dogs sheltered in place there. No injuries were reported.
Investigation and Cause
Fire investigators and insurance investigators returned to the scene on Thursday, July 2. Kwan said the fire's origin is believed to be inside the distillery and not related to a lightning storm that struck south Calgary that afternoon, which caused a separate two-house fire in Sundance. Fire crews remained on site until 3 a.m. to prevent reignition.
Business Impact and Rebuilding
Two Rivers Distillery, which opened in 2017, has earned awards for its spirits, including a gold medal at the 2026 World Gin Awards for Canada's best colour-changing gin. In a Facebook post, the business called the fire a 'massive gut punch after so many years of blood, sweat and tears.' The post added: 'The distillery we have worked so hard to build over the last nine years was devastated by a fire. While the most important thing is that everyone made it out safely and there were no injuries, we are absolutely heartbroken.' The distillery will be closed for the foreseeable future as the long road to rebuilding begins. A business representative and the property owner declined to comment on site.
