Winnipeg, MB – At 1:58 a.m. on Sunday, January 2, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant bungalow in the 100 block of Selkirk Avenue.
When crews arrived on scene they encountered heavy smoke coming from the building. An offensive attack was launched, but due to deteriorating conditions crews were forced to exit the building and transition to a defensive attack. Operations at the scene are ongoing at this time. It is expected that crews will remain at the scene for most of today, extinguishing hot spots.
The extreme cold has created challenging conditions for firefighting with water, trucks, and equipment freezing up quickly. The entire area around the scene is ice-covered and slippery. Extra units are on scene as crews need to be rotated in and out of operations frequently to protect them from the conditions.
One neighbouring home was evacuated due to water damage. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services was called to assist those who were displaced in finding temporary accommodations. No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time, but the building is expected to be a complete loss.
Selkirk Avenue is closed between Austin Street North and Main Street. Once crews complete their work at the scene and roads re-open, drivers and pedestrians are asked to use caution in the area as water used to fight the fire has frozen and created slippery conditions. The City will be monitoring conditions and applying sand and de-icing agents to roadways and sidewalks as required to improve traction.