Winnipeg, MB – At 2:07 a.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022 the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a vacant three-storey apartment building. The building had previously been damaged by fire in July 2021.
When crews arrived on-scene, they encountered a well-involved fire with heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. A defensive attack was launched as fire conditions made it unsafe for crews to enter the building. The Winnipeg Police Service’s AIR1 helicopter assisted the WFPS Incident Commander by monitoring the scene from above and providing updates.
One neighbouring house was evacuated and crews were working to protect it from fire extension. It has suffered water and heat damage.
At this time, operations at the scene are ongoing, with crews using aerial ladders and hose streams to fight the fire. It is expected that crews will remain at the scene for most of the day.
The cold has created challenging conditions for firefighting. The 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.
No injuries have been reported.
William Avenue is closed between Sherbrook Street and Isabel Street. Residents are advised to avoid the area.
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.