Winnipeg, MB – At 3:58 a.m. on December 18, 2019, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-and-a-half-storey home in the 400 block of Maryland Street. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered a well-involved fire, with heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof and windows of the structure. Due to the dangerous conditions, a defensive attack was initiated. The fire was declared under control at 6:30 a.m. but crews expect to be on scene throughout the day extinguishing hot spots.
Two neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution. Winnipeg Transit provided a bus to shelter all evacuees from the cold. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire will be under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.
Traffic in the area will reopen once crews complete their work. Once that happens, drivers should exercise caution in the area as the significant amount water used to fight the fire has covered the road creating icy conditions. City of Winnipeg crews will be monitoring the area and applying sand and de-icing agents as necessary.
A spokesperson will be available to provide an update at 8 a.m. at the corner of Maryland Street and Ellice Avenue.
At 9:30 p.m. on December 17, 2019, WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 400 block of Redwood Avenue. Upon arrival on scene, crews launched an offensive attack and quickly brought the fire under control, limiting damage in the building to the suite of origin. One neighbouring home sustained minor damage from flames and smoke coming from the window of the apartment complex.
All occupants of the apartment building and neighbouring home self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.