Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three structure fires overnight.
Selkirk Avenue fire
At 4:42 a.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a garage fire in the 100 block of Selkirk Avenue.
When crews arrived, they found two garages engulfed in flames and smoke. They immediately launched a fire attack and evacuated two neighbouring residences. While fighting the fire, they discovered the fire had spread to an adjacent duplex.
One resident was assessed by on-scene paramedics and transported to hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported. A Winnipeg Transit bus was brought to the scene to provide shelter to the evacuees.
Occupants from the two buildings were not able to return to their suites due to water damage. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team was deployed to assist 13 displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
As roads re-open, residents are asked to exercise caution in the area, as water used to fight the fire has frozen and created slippery conditions.
City of Winnipeg crews will be monitoring conditions and applying sand and de-icing agents to roadways and sidewalks as required to improve traction.
Pritchard Avenue fire
At 11:47 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant two-storey house in the 600 block of Pritchard Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke in the structure. A small fire was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time. The house was previously damaged by fire in August 2021.
Manitoba Avenue fire
At 11:29 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a single-storey fourplex in the 300 block of Manitoba Avenue.
When crews got to the scene they found smoke in the building. They fought the fire from inside, declaring the fire under control at 11:50 p.m.
All occupants of the residence safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
Fire damage was contained to the suite where the fire originated, but the other suites sustained water damage so residents could not return.
The City’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team was deployed to assist the displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.