Winnipeg, MB – At approximately 1:02 p.m. on Monday, November 5, 2018, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services (WFPS) crews responded to a fire at an industrial business at 500 Dawson Road North. Crews arrived within minutes of the first 911 call to find a well-involved fire. A defensive strategy was declared immediately and no crews were able to enter the structure with hose lines due to the significant flames, heavy smoke and high risk of building collapse.
As reported yesterday, three individuals who were in the building at the time of the fire were assessed by paramedics. One was treated on scene using oxygen for smoke inhalation symptoms. No additional injuries have been reported.
The building was declared a total loss. Essential crews remained on the scene throughout the night as machinery started demolishing it. As it is being demolished, crews gain access to smoldering building materials and building content in order to continue extinguishing the fire.
A smaller complement of crews remain on scene this morning monitoring for and extinguishing those hot spots. As such, Dawson Road remains closed and will not be accessible during the morning drive.
Once again, the use of the WFPS unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) was an invaluable tool in fighting a fire, helping to direct crews to the exact locations of heavy flames and hot spots. Since its introduction in August, this technology has been deployed to at least a half dozen fires.
The WFPS would like to thank all responders and partner agencies involved in the Dawson Road fire.
The cause of this fire is under investigation and no damage estimates are available at this time.