Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires last night.
Mountain Avenue fire
At 7:47 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, three-storey apartment building in the 300 block of Mountain Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. Due to the heavy fire conditions and previous fire damage, it was not safe for crews to enter. They launched a defensive fire attack from the exterior using aerial ladder trucks to apply water to the fire. Most of the fire has been extinguished but several crews remain on scene applying water to smoldering hotspots.
Freezing temperatures created challenging conditions for firefighters, with the area around the scene being ice-covered and slippery. Crews have been rotated in and out of operations as required to provide them with breaks from the cold.
The building has sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage. Due to structural concerns, emergency demolition is being arranged. Road closures in the area will remain in place until work is completed at the scene.
Residents should 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
Several neighbouring residences have been temporarily evacuated as a precaution. There have been no injuries reported.
The fire is under investigation. The building was damaged in previous fires in January 2024 and August 2023.
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.
Langside Street fire
At 3:48 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-and-a-half storey residence in the 500 block of Langside Street.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found the fire was involving a detached garage adjacent to the vacant residence. Smoke from the fire was extending to the vacant residence and a neighbouring home. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 4:10 a.m. Firefighters contained the fire before it spread to either adjacent residence.
The occupied residence was temporarily evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.