Winnipeg, MB – At 12:33 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a four-storey commercial/industrial building in the 800 block of Main Street.
A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on scene, due to the potential for high life hazards and fire extension to neighbouring buildings when dealing with a larger structure.
Once on scene, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. Initially an interior, offensive attack was launched but due to high heat and smoke conditions crews were forced to exit the building and transition to an exterior, defensive attack using aerial ladders and water streams.
This is expected to be a prolonged incident. Main Street is closed to both north and south bound traffic between Dufferin Avenue and Higgins Avenue. Motorists should plan alternate routes for the morning’s rush hour.
Further details on this fire will be provided later today.