Winnipeg, MB – Members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to five significant structure fires over the evening of Saturday, December 24, and the morning of Sunday, December 25, 2022.
Qu’Appelle Avenue fire
At 4:08 a.m. on December 25, 2022, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a six-storey apartment building in the 300 block of Qu’Appelle Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from 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 crews on scene.
Crews received numerous reports indicating there were occupants trapped in the building. Reports also indicated that multiple residents with disabilities required assistance in evacuating.
Firefighters fought the fire from inside the building while simultaneously searching suites and evacuating residents. Paramedics assessed, treated, and transported six individuals to hospital: three in critical condition, one in unstable condition, and two in stable condition.
Winnipeg Transit deployed buses to the scene to provide shelter for evacuees. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services team was deployed to the scene to assist 42 displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Traffic on Qu’Appelle Avenue is likely to be inaccessible for most of the day. Once roads have re-opened, residents are asked to exercise 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.
Selkirk Avenue fire
At 5:01 a.m. on December 25, 2022, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey house in the 700 block of Selkirk Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy black smoke coming from the house. Firefighters attacked the fire from inside the house, and it was declared under control at 5:45 a.m.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported. The City’s Emergency Social Services team was deployed to the scene to assist one resident in finding temporary accommodations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and damage estimates are not available at this time.
Austin Street North fire
At 1:06 a.m. on December 25, 2022, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, multi-family residence in the 200 block of Austin Street North. When crews arrived at the scene, they found a small fire and it was quickly extinguished.
No injuries were reported. The City’s Emergency Social Services team was deployed to assist one displaced resident in finding temporary accommodations.
The fire remains under investigation at this time. Damage estimates are not available.
Murray Avenue fire
At 11:15 p.m. on December 24, 2022, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a single-family bungalow in the 300 block of Murray Avenue.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure, with the attached garage fully-engulfed. Firefighters attacked the fire from the exterior of the building as it was not safe to enter. The fire was declared under control at 12:37 a.m. on December 25.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated. Firefighters evacuated residents from a neighbouring house as a temporary precaution. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is considered accidental. Damage estimates are not available at this time. The attached garage sustained significant smoke, fire, and water damage.
Manitoba Avenue fire
At 9:37 p.m. on December 24, 2022, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey, residential four-plex in the 500 block of Manitoba Avenue.
When crews arrived at the location, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. Firefighters attacked the fire from inside the structure and the fire was under control at 10:42 p.m.
All occupants of the building safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of WFPS crews. No injuries were reported.
The fire remains under investigation at this time. No damage estimates are currently available, but the structure suffered significant smoke, fire, and water damage.