Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two fires this morning and one more this afternoon.
Extreme cold weather created challenging conditions for firefighting, with water, trucks, personal protective equipment, and tools freezing up quickly. The areas around the fire scenes quickly became ice-covered and slippery. Members from the WFPS Emergency Mechanical Services Branch were on-scene at the fires to quickly remedy break-downs as required.
Extra units were dispatched to the incidents as crews need to be rotated in and out of operations frequently to protect them from the conditions. With three concurrent fires, at three different locations, WFPS 911 dispatchers monitored all incidents and relocated crews to different stations throughout the city as needed. Their work ensured coverage was available for all emergency calls, in all areas throughout the day.
Due to the extended operations at the fires on Pritchard Avenue, and Portage Avenue and Langside Street, fuel trucks were deployed to the scenes to re-fuel apparatus. The City of Winnipeg’s Public Works and Water and Waste departments were also on-scene to maintain hydrants and clear water and ice from the roads.
Pritchard Avenue fire
At 8:57 a.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant bungalow in the 400 block of Pritchard Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered smoke and flames coming from the house. While working to protect neighbouring homes, an offensive fire attack was launched, but due to deteriorating conditions, crews were forced to exit the house and transition to a defensive attack. Crews remain at the scene at this time and are using an aerial ladder and hose streams to complete extinguishment.
Crews were able to complete a search of the structure prior to being forced out by the fire and no occupants were located. Two neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution. At this time, it is not known when those residents may be able to return to their homes. Initial reports indicated that both homes have experienced damage to the exteriors.
One injury to a firefighter was reported. The member was assessed by on-scene paramedics and transported to hospital in stable condition.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time. The house has suffered significant damage and is considered a collapse risk. Heavy equipment will be brought in to demolish the remaining structure.
Pritchard Avenue remains closed to traffic at this time.
Portage Avenue and Langside Street fire
At 9:38 a.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, mixed-use building on the northeast corner of Portage Avenue and Langside Street (Kirkwood Block Building).
When crews arrived at the scene, they found a well-involved fire with heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. A defensive attack was launched as it was not safe for crews to make entrance. Crews remain on scene at this time, continuing to fight the fire from the exterior of the building using aerial ladders and hose streams. Efforts to protect the neighbouring building from fire extension are also ongoing at this time.
It’s not believed there were occupants in the area of the building where the fire originated. All occupants from other units safely self-evacuated. Several neighbouring buildings were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. They will not be able to return until fire operations are complete.
One firefighter sustained an injury as a result of a slip and fall at the scene. They were assessed by paramedics but did not require transport to hospital.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available but the building is considered structurally unsafe and will be a complete loss. Heavy equipment will be attending the scene to assist with fire extinguishment and the demolishment of the structure.
Portage Avenue, between St. Mary Avenue and Sherbrook Street, remains closed to traffic in both directions. Residents should continue to avoid the area.
Logan Avenue fire
At 1:45 p.m. on February 2, 2022, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in an industrial shop in the 2200 block of Logan Avenue.
When crews arrived to the location, they encountered smoke coming from an industrial hopper on the exterior of the building. A fire attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 3:05 p.m. The fire did not extend to the primary structure.
All occupants of the building did evacuate as a precaution. They were able to return after the fire was extinguished. No injuries were reported.
Based on preliminary observations, the cause of the fire is considered accidental. No damage estimates are available at this time.
Logan Avenue and Brookside Boulevard were closed to traffic but have since re-opened.