Winnipeg, MB – At 7:39 p.m. on September 2, 2019, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant commercial building in the 400 block of Selkirk Avenue. The same building had previously been damaged by fire in July 2018. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered a well-involved fire with heavy flames and thick smoke coming from the structure. An offensive attack was initially launched but deteriorating conditions, with heavy fire in the attic and roof, forced crews to exit the building and transition to a defensive strategy. The fire was declared under control at 9:54 p.m.
Crews completed a search of the building and no occupants were found. Neighbouring buildings were evacuated as a precaution. One individual was assessed by paramedics on scene but did not require transport to hospital.
At 8:55 p.m. WFPS crews responded to reports of a second fire, in the rear of the 700 block of Selkirk Avenue. Once on scene crews found a well-involved garage fire. It was quickly brought under control.
The cause of both fires will be under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.