Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) continued operations today at a major structure fire on Notre Dame Avenue.
At 5:53 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, WFPS crews responded to an automatic alarm at the large, single-storey commercial structure in the 1300 block of Notre Dame Avenue. Due to safety concerns, crews fought the fire defensively all morning with the assistance of two aerial ladders and handlines, as well as situational awareness provided by the WFPS drone.
Crews worked with a private company to demolish part of the structure in order to gain access to and extinguish the fire. The fire was declared under control in the early afternoon.
One apparatus will remain on-scene into the evening and night to address any flare-ups. A fire watch will be established to ensure any hot spots can be addressed in a timely manner.
Notre Dame Avenue is now open to traffic in both directions.
While no damage estimates are available at this time, the building suffered extensive structural damage, including parts that collapsed and were brought down by heavy equipment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.