Winnipeg, MB – At 8:28 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire at a vacant, one-and-a-half storey house in the 300 block of College Avenue.
When crews arrived on-scene, they found a well-involved fire in a vacant house that was extending to one floor of a second, occupied, two-and-a-half-storey house. Crews immediately evacuated the neighbouring property. They launched a defensive attack on the first property, and an offensive strategy on the second. Hand lines were established to knock down both fires, and an aerial ladder was set up to support the operation. Crews also evacuated a second neighbouring property as a precaution and pressurized the building.
Three firefighters were assessed on-scene for injuries. Two were transported to hospital in stable condition, and a third was transported in unstable condition. No other injuries were reported.
“The heat and humidity today created challenging conditions for crews and WFPS thanks all members for their hard work and commitment to the safety of Winnipeggers,” said Scott Wilkinson, Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services was called to assist 16 occupants of the fire extension property in finding temporary accommodations. It is expected that the residents of the other neighbouring property will be able to return to their home once crews complete their work.
Firefighters knocked down the fires in both properties, and are addressing hot spots and conducting overhaul operations. College Avenue is closed between Aikins Street and Charles Street and residents are advised to avoid the area.
The vacant one-and-a-half-storey house is expected to be a total loss and suffered damage from previous fire activity. The two-and-a-half storey house suffered major structural damage to the attic, as well as smoke and water damage throughout. The cause of the primary fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time.