Winnipeg, MB – At 10:47 a.m. on Sunday, January 23, 2022 the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to an automatic alarm at an 18-storey apartment tower in the 1900 block of Corydon Avenue.
Once on-scene, crews determined there was smoke coming from a suite on the third floor, and moderate to heavy smoke throughout the structure. A second alarm was called, increasing the number of apparatus and WFPS crew members on-scene due to the potential for high life hazards when dealing with an occupied apartment block. Crews initiated an offensive attack, declaring the fire under control at 11:13 a.m.
Occupants of the fire suite self-evacuated prior to crew arrival. Some occupants sheltered-in-place if crews determined it was safe to do so. Others were assisted by crews in safely evacuating the building. Two Winnipeg Transit buses were redeployed to the scene to provide temporary shelter to displaced residents.
Six occupants were assessed on-scene by paramedics, but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported.
Crews located one cat on-scene that had succumbed to fire-related injuries and could not be saved. The City of Winnipeg’s Animal Services department was called for assistance.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services has also been called to assist a number of occupants in finding temporary accommodations. Other residents are expected to be able to return to their suites later today.
Fire damage was contained to the suite of origin. A number of other suites suffered smoke, or smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no damage estimates are available.