Winnipeg, MB – At 7:47 p.m., on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant four-storey apartment building in the 400 block of Maryland Street.
When crews arrived, they encountered heavy, black smoke and flames coming from the building. This building had sustained significant damage in two fires in January 2019. As such, crews were forced to exit the building due to the hazards inside.
To safely fight the fire, crews are using aerial ladder trucks and have deployed the WFPS drone for situational awareness.
In order to keep residents safe, crews evacuated several nearby buildings. Winnipeg Transit provided buses as temporary shelter for evacuees.
Maryland Street is closed between Ellice Avenue and St. Matthews Avenue while crews complete their work on scene. This road closure is expected to be in effect until mid-day on Thursday, January 9.
Crews will be on scene overnight. The incident is ongoing, and further updates will follow.