Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a fire and gas leak this afternoon.
Magnus Avenue fire
At 1:47 p.m., WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant two-storey house in the 400 block of Magnus Avenue.
When crews arrived on-scene, they encountered a well-involved fire with heavy smoke billowing from the structure. They launched a defensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 3:16 p.m.
Crews temporarily evacuated residents of neighbouring properties as a precaution until their homes were safe for re-occupancy. No injuries were reported.
The building is expected to be a total loss. No damage estimates are available at this time and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Dominion Street gas leak
At 1:50 p.m., WFPS responded to reports of a severed gas line at a construction site in the 900 block of Dominion Street.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a natural gas line damaged by contractors. Natural gas was venting into the atmosphere.
Crews took precautions to ensure the safety of residents. Traffic was closed in both directions while crews assessed the situation, hose lines were deployed, and residents of the entire block were notified and temporarily evacuated.
Manitoba Hydro attended the scene and pinched off the line. They are now working to complete repairs, which are expected to take several hours.
No injuries were reported.