Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to two overnight structure fires – one on Regent Avenue West and one on Gertie Street which remains an ongoing incident.
Gertie Street fire
At 4:44 a.m. on January 17, 2023, WFPS crews responded a fire in a vacant three-storey apartment building in the 0 to 100 block of Gertie Street. The incident was reported by on-duty members of the Winnipeg Police Service.
When WFPS crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. Due to fire conditions, crews were unable to enter the structure. They are currently using aerial ladders to apply water to the fire.
The WFPS drone is being used to provide Incident Commanders with an aerial view of the scene. This helps them to direct water streams and locate hot spots using the drone’s thermal imaging camera.
Due to fire damage, the structural integrity of the building is believed to be compromised. As such, arrangements are being made for the building to be demolished.
Gertie Street is closed to traffic. Both Bannatyne Avenue and McDermot Avenue are also closed to traffic at Gertie Street. Residents are asked to avoid the area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available but the building is considered a complete loss.
Regent Avenue West fire
At 10:51 p.m. on January 16, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a three-unit commercial structure in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue West.
When crews arrived at the location, they found heavy smoke coming from one of the units. Crews fought the fire from inside the building and the fire was declared under control at 11:18 p.m.
There were no occupants in the building at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.