Winnipeg, MB – At approximately 5:30 a.m. on June 6, 2019, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of smoke at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel at 1999 Wellington Avenue. Once on scene, crews found smoke in the lobby and on a number of floors. Most hotel guests self-evacuated and crews used the public address system to ask the remaining guests to evacuate. Crews assisted a number of individuals with mobility issues to evacuate.
An investigation determined a burnt generator belt in the basement was the cause of the smoke. The generator had activated following a power outage earlier in the morning and caused the belt issue. Due to the power outage, the air exchange system was inactive.
Manitoba Hydro was called to the scene to restore the electrical system in the hotel. Hotel guests on a number of floors will remain evacuated until the system is restored. WFPS crews assisted those guests with retrieving luggage and belongings to ensure they were on time to catch flights.
No injuries were reported.