Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) worked through the night and this morning to extinguish the fire in the 800 block of Main Street.
The fire is now mostly extinguished, but firefighters will remain on scene to put out the remaining small areas of fire. WFPS required an emergency demolition to help firefighters access flames in the building.
Main Street is open to southbound traffic. Northbound traffic will be impacted until crews leave the scene.
All evacuated residents from homes on Austin Street North have returned to their homes. The apartment building at 189 Jarvis Avenue sustained significant smoke and water damage. Residents of that building will be able to return once the building is safe. Further inquiries can be directed to the property owner.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team helped displaced residents find temporary housing throughout the incident.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
As previously released:
At 2:07 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a commercial building in the 800 block of Main Street.
At the scene, crews saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.
Firefighters evacuated approximately 15 homes on Austin Street North and a three-storey apartment building on Main Street as a precaution. A Winnipeg Transit bus responded as a temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Firefighters attacked the fire from outside because it was not safe to enter the building. Crews used aerial ladders to spray water on the fire from above. Firefighters also used the WFPS drone to help them see the fire from the air.
As the incident continued, fire spread to neighbouring buildings. WFPS crews continue working to prevent further damage.
Three firefighters sustained minor injuries and paramedics transported them to hospital in stable condition.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The building is expected to be a total loss.