Winnipeg, MB – At 6:57 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant and boarded house in the 400 block of William Newton Avenue.
At the scene, crews saw heavy black smoke and flames coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire from the outside as it was unsafe to enter the building. Crews also protected neighbouring houses from fire and heat damage. Firefighters used a drone for situational awareness during firefighting operations.
Crews declared the fire under control at 8:30 a.m. No injuries were reported.
Due to structural concerns, crews are arranging an emergency demolition. Road closures in the area will remain in place until the work on scene is complete.
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.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. WFPS responded to a fire at this location in in September 2024 and August 2024.
If you see someone actively entering a vacant building, or removing boards from windows or doors from a building, 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.