Winnipeg, MB – At 2:35 a.m. on September 29, 2019, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a seven-storey high-rise at 138 Portage Avenue East currently under renovations. A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on the scene, due to the potential for high life hazards when dealing with a high-rise structure.
Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered heavy fire engulfing the roof of the building and extending through the elevator shaft. Crews attempted to enter the building to launch an offensive attack but were forced to retreat as the building’s water suppression systems were not operational. Crews launched a defensive attack using aerial ladders and water streams. Both the WFPS drone and the Winnipeg Police Service’s Air One were used to provide the Incident Commander with situational awareness, directing crews to the exact locations of flames.
Crews continue to work to extinguish the fire and expect to be on the scene for an extended period of time.
At this time roads in the area remain closed to traffic. Residents are asked to avoid the area.
The site is a municipally designated historic building known as the Keewayden Building or Crowley Building, built in 1909.
William Avenue Fire
At 4:08 a.m. WFPS crews also responded to reports of a fire in a vacant three-storey apartment complex in the 400 block of William Avenue. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered heavy smoke and launched an offensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 4:42 a.m.
A search of the building was completed and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.