Winnipeg, MB – At 12:31 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a 15-storey building in the 2500 block of Pembina Highway. A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on the scene, due to the potential for high life hazards when dealing with a high-rise structure.
When crews arrived on scene, they encountered a well-involved fire with heavy flames and smoke coming from the building. Crews launched a defensive attack using aerial ladders and deployed the WFPS drone for situational awareness. Crews also extinguished smaller fires around the building that ignited as a result of falling debris.
The situation is ongoing and crews are expected to remain on scene well into the day. Further updates will be provided as the situation progresses.
Two nearby residential buildings were evacuated as a precaution, but all residents have since returned to their homes.
Pembina Highway is closed in both directions from Bison Drive to Dalhousie Drive while crews complete their work on scene. Drivers in the area should exercise caution as the water used to fight the fire covered the road and has now frozen. The City of Winnipeg is monitoring the area and applying sand and de-icing agents as required.