Winnipeg, MB – At 3:24 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a monitored fire alarm in an eight-storey, high-rise apartment building in the 400 block of Kennedy Street.
When crews arrived on scene, they encountered heavy smoke throughout the building. Due to the potential for high life hazards when dealing with a large structure, a second alarm was called which increased the number of apparatus on scene. Extra units were also required on scene as crews were rotated in and out of operations frequently to protect them from the extreme cold conditions.
An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 4:08 a.m. Damage was mostly contained to the suite where the fire originated.
All occupants of the building were evacuated and provided shelter in a neighbouring building and aboard a Winnipeg Transit bus that was deployed to the scene. Most were able to return to their suites once crews extinguished the fire and completed ventilation of the building. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services was called to assist those who were displaced in finding temporary accommodations. No injuries were reported.
The fire remains under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.