Winnipeg, MB – At 3:33 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of an outside fire in the 1000 block of Roch Street.
When crews arrived, they observed a downed power line that had severed an underground gas line. The gas that was released from the severed gas line underground was burning off above the ground causing flames.
Additional WFPS crews were called to the scene to assist with mitigation and evacuation. Nearby homes were evacuated, and a Winnipeg Transit bus was deployed to the scene to provide temporary shelter for evacuees.
Manitoba Hydro attended the scene and began the process of capping the gas line to put out the fire and to repair the downed power line.
Both WFPS and Manitoba Hydro took gas readings in the area. No gas was identified in any nearby structures or homes at any point. WFPS crews have departed the scene, and Manitoba Hydro remains on scene. Operations may affect power in the area.
No injuries were reported. Damage estimates are not available.