Winnipeg, MB - At 12:43 a.m. on July 22, 2019, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to an automatic alarm in an industrial building at 274 Jarvis Avenue. Once on scene, crews encountered a well-involved fire. Initially an offensive attack was initiated but after approximately 40 minutes conditions were rapidly deteriorating and crews were ordered to evacuate. Eight nearby residences were also evacuated. Winnipeg Transit provided a bus to shelter the evacuees. Manitoba Hydro cut power to the surrounding area to ensure affected hydro lines, poles, and transformers did not add to the hazards.
The fire spread aggressively across the building which occupies a full city block. Most of the building has collapsed as crews continue to fight the fire defensively.
It is expected that crews will remain on scene throughout the entire day and into tomorrow.
One firefighter suffered a slip and fall injury but was able to remain on-duty. Smoke from the fire is currently traveling east across the city. Residents in the smoke plume are asked to close windows to keep the smoke from entering their homes. Representatives from Sustainable Development have been on scene and in the area to monitor the smoke conditions.
The cause of this fire will be under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.