Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three fires since last evening.
Main Street Fire Update
At 12:33 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant three-storey building in the 800 block of Main Street.
The fire was primarily fought from the exterior using aerial ladders as it was deemed unsafe for firefighters to enter the structure. The WFPS drone was used to provide aerial views and detect hot spots. The Winnipeg Police Service Air 1 helicopter also assisted by providing information to incident commanders. The fire was declared under control at 12:15 p.m.
There were no occupants in the building at the time of the fire. One neighbouring apartment block was evacuated as a precaution. They were provided shelter aboard a Winnipeg Transit bus and the Salvation Army’s mobile food truck provided them with food and drinks. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team was dispatched to the scene to assist those residents in finding alternative accommodations until their building is safe for re-occupancy.
All northbound lanes on Main Street have reopened to traffic. Southbound traffic is closed at Selkirk Avenue and is being rerouted.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No damage estimates are currently available but the building is expected to be a complete loss.
Pritchard Avenue Fire
At 8:15 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire inside a two-storey, duplex in the 600 block of Pritchard Avenue.
Upon arrival on-scene, crews encountered fire and smoke coming from the structure. An offensive, interior attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 9 p.m.
A search of the building was completed and no occupants were found. Crews located a dog inside the home. Resuscitation attempts were made but were unsuccessful. No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.
El Tassi Drive Fire
At 5:35 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire inside a three-storey townhouse complex in the 0-100 block of El Tassi Drive.
When crews arrived on-scene, they encountered light smoke coming from the building. They launched an offensive attack, quickly locating and knocking down the fire. They declared the fire under control at 6:02 p.m.
All occupants safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. Firefighters located one dog and two cats in the building and brought them to safety. The Animal Services Agency was deployed to the scene to provide care to the animals.
Fire damage was contained to the suite of origin. No damage estimates are currently available. The fire is believed to be accidental, caused by unattended cooking. No damage estimates are currently available.
Residents are reminded of the following safety strategies to prevent kitchen fires:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Stove burners should always be turned off when leaving the kitchen, even for a short time.
- Anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — should always be kept away from the stovetop.
- Oil should always be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the pot with a metal lid. Never use water to put out an oil fire.