Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fires on Jarvis Avenue, William Avenue, and Main Street

Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three structure fires last night.

Jarvis Avenue fire
At 8:06 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in single-storey, mixed-use structure in the 200 block of Jarvis Avenue.

When crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building, with fire extending to a connected three-storey structure. Due to dangerous conditions, crews were unable to enter the buildings.

They launched a defensive fire attack from the exterior, using three aerial ladder trucks to apply water to the fire and protect two additional adjoining structures.

Crews remain on scene at this time and are expected to remain throughout the day.

Temperatures are creating challenging conditions for firefighters, with the area around the scene being ice-covered and slippery. Crews continue to be rotated in and out of operations as required to provide them with breaks from the cold.

At this point no injuries have been reported.

The two impacted buildings both sustained major smoke, water, and fire damage and are considered a complete loss. Emergency demolition is being arranged as the structural integrity of the buildings is compromised.

Jarvis Avenue is closed between Main Street and Schultz Street, and Derby Street is closed between Sutherland Avenue and Dufferin Avenue.

Once the road re-opens, 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.

The fire is under investigation.

William Avenue fire
At 8:21 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey multi-family residence in the 400 block of William Avenue.

Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke coming from the structure. They launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 9 p.m.

All occupants of the structure safely self-evacuated. No injuries were reported.

The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team was deployed to assist 14 displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.

Based on preliminary observations, the fire is believed to be accidental. Damage estimates are not available at this time.

Main Street fire
At 10:24 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a six-storey hotel in the 500 block of Main Street.

With the potential for high life hazards when dealing with a structure of this type, a second alarm was called which increased the number of crews and apparatus on scene.

When crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy smoke on one floor of the hotel. The quickly located and extinguished a small fire before it spread further.

No injuries were reported. Damage was minimal.

The fire is under investigation.