Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two recent structure fires.
Aberdeen Avenue fire
At 4:37 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant bungalow in the 600 block of Aberdeen Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the house. Crews entered the house to fight the fire, while also working to protect the neighbouring houses from fire spread. The fire was declared under control at 5:28 p.m.
Crews completed a search of the house and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not currently available.
Furby Street fire
At 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, February 11, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a five-storey apartment building in the 0 to 100 block of Furby Street. Further reports indicated multiple residents may be trapped in their suites.
When crews arrived to the scene, the found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. They immediately launched an interior fire attack and worked to rescue those trapped in their suites. Several residents were brought out using aerial ladder trucks.
On-scene paramedics transported five individuals to hospital – two in critical condition and three in unstable condition.
A Winnipeg Transit bus was deployed to the scene to provide shelter for evacuees.
Residents were not able to return to the building due to smoke, fire, and water damage. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team was deployed to assist the displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations. Of the approximately 40 residents, approximately 30 indicated they needed assistance.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.