Winnipeg, MB - At 3:08 a.m. on March 6, 2019 Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey house in the 1400 block of McDermot Avenue West. Once on scene, crews found a well-involved fire with heavy smoke and flames.
Crews conducted a primary search of the main floor and basement, however deteriorating conditions prohibited completion of search on the second floor, as crews were forced to withdraw from the building. A defensive strategy from the exterior of the building was then deployed, while protecting the adjacent homes.
Once the fire was knocked down, crews were able to re-enter the house in order to complete overhaul operations, extinguish hotspots and complete their search. At this time, it is believed there were no occupants in the home at the time of the fire.
Occupants of the two neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution. They will be able to return to their respective homes. No injuries have been reported at this time.
The cause of the fire will be under investigation and no damage estimates are available at this time.
Motorists in the area should exercise caution as the water used to fight the fire covered the roadway and has now frozen. The City will be working in the area to open up storm drains, remove ice and water from the road, and apply sand and de-icing agents as required.