Winnipeg, MB – At 11:42 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, three-storey apartment building in the 600 block of Sherbrook Street.
Crews have been on scene throughout today fighting the fire using aerial ladders. The building has sustained significant damage and is at risk of collapse. Heavy equipment is on site and will be demolishing the remaining walls of the structure. Some WFPS resources remain at the scene and will extinguish hotspots as they are exposed during the demolition. At this time, it is not known when the demolition process will begin or how long it will take.
Several residences in the area were evacuated today due to flooding/water backup. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services attended the scene to assist displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.
Sherbrook Street will remain closed between Sargent Avenue and Cumberland Avenue until the fire is extinguished, the demolition is complete, and the site is deemed safe.
Once roads re-open, drivers and pedestrians are asked to use caution in the area as water used to fight the fire has frozen and created slippery conditions. The City will be monitoring conditions and applying sand and de-icing agents as required to improve traction.
WFPS thanks Manitoba Hydro for their assistance at the scene today, as well as the teams from the City of Winnipeg’s Public Works and Water and Waste departments who helped by maintaining hydrants and clearing water and ice from the roads.