Winnipeg, MB – At 6:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire at an 18-storey high-rise apartment structure at 221 Stradbrook Avenue.
When crews arrived, heavy black smoke and flames were observed coming from the roof. Crews made their way to the roof and used the building’s standpipe system to apply water to the fire. The fire was declared under control at 7:44 p.m.
While some residents self-evacuated, others were evacuated by firefighters. One individual was assessed by on-scene paramedics and transported to hospital in unstable condition. One firefighter was also transported to hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.
While fire damage was mostly isolated to the roof, the building sustained extensive water damage, rendering the elevator system inoperable. Due to the damage, building residents are not able to return to their suites. Firefighters are assisting residents in retrieving essential items from their suites. The Winnipeg Animal Services Agency responded and is assisting with the retrieval of animals from suites.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team responded to the scene to help displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.