Winnipeg, MB – At 4:01 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to an automatic fire alarm in a three-story apartment building in the 700 block of Toronto Street.
When crews arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke coming from the building. They initially entered the building to fight the fire from inside, but due to deteriorating conditions, they were forced to exit and transition to an exterior fire attack.
Crews are expected to remain on scene through tonight as they work to bring the fire under control. They are using aerial ladder trucks and hand lines to apply water to the fire while also protecting neighbouring buildings. Aerial and thermal imaging views from the WFPS drone are being used to help direct water streams and locate hotspots.
All occupants in the building evacuated safely. A neighbouring apartment building was also evacuated as a precaution. No injuries have been reported.
A Winnipeg Transit bus attended to the scene to provide shelter for the evacuees. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team was deployed to assist displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.
The building has sustained significant fire, smoke and water damage and is expected to be a complete loss. Toronto Street will be closed between Wellington Avenue and Notre Dame Avenue until crews depart the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.