Winnipeg, MB – At 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a vacant two-storey house in the 800 block of McDermot Avenue.
When crews arrived on-scene, they encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. A defensive attack was launched, and crews are using aerial ladders to apply water to the fire and protect neighbouring houses. The WFPS drone is also being used for situational awareness and the detection of hot spots. At 8:29 p.m. the fire was declared under control. Crews are expected to remain on scene well into the evening extinguishing hot spots.
Both neighbouring houses have been evacuated as a precaution. No injuries have been reported at this time. Crews are being rotated in and out of operations due to the cold weather conditions.
Once crews extinguish the fire, the cause will be under investigation. While damage estimates are not available at this time, the home has suffered significant smoke, fire, and water damage and is likely to be considered a complete loss.
Roads will reopen to traffic once crews complete their work on scene. Once open, drivers should use caution in this area, as water used to fight the fire has frozen. The City of Winnipeg is monitoring conditions and will be applying sand and de-icing agents as required.