Winnipeg, MB – At 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a two-and-a-half storey vacant and boarded house in the 400 block of Young Street.
At the scene, firefighters saw heavy flames and smoke coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire from the outside using an aerial ladder because it was not safe to enter the structure. Firefighters also worked to protect a neighbouring home from fire exposure. Residents of that home temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
The fire was declared extinguished at 10:30 a.m.
The building sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage. Due to structural concerns, emergency demolition is planned.
Road closures in the area will remain in place until work is completed at the scene.
Residents are asked to use 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.
No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation. WFPS responded to a fire at this location in May 2021.
Anyone who sees someone actively entering a vacant building, or removing boards from windows or doors from a building, should call 911 to report the incident immediately.
If you notice boarded windows or doors that have been breached, but you do not see someone actively entering or trying to enter the building, report the incident to 311 by phone or online.