Winnipeg, MB – At 11:21 a.m. on May 19, 2019, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-storey duplex in the 500 block of Young Street. Upon arrival crews found a well-involved fire with heavy smoke and flames which had spread to hydro poles in the rear alley. Significant heat from the fire had already melted siding on nearby homes.
A defensive attack was adopted as the structural integrity of the duplex was in question due to a previous fire in 2018. Despite crews working to protect neighbouring homes, the fire managed to extend to the eaves and attic of the home to the north. An offensive strategy was employed to fight the fire at the second house. It suffered significant smoke, fire and water damage. A third fire was sparked in a nearby house due to embers being blown by the wind but was quickly extinguished.
Several neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution. Firefighters rescued one pet rat from the second fire home. No injuries were reported.
Manitoba Hydro attended the scene, terminating power to the lines in the area as many had melted causing an electrical hazard. Power is expected to remain out for a number of hours.
The cause of the original fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time; though, the building where the fire originated is a total loss, having collapsed.
Traffic in the area is expected to remain impacted until crews have completed their work on scene.