Winnipeg, MB – At 2:29 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in two vacant, boarded duplexes in the 500 block of Manitoba Avenue.
At the scene, crew saw heavy flames and smoke coming from the buildings. Given the size of the fire, a second alarm was called and more WFPS units responded to the scene.
Firefighters temporarily evacuated homes on both sides of the fire. A Winnipeg Transit bus responded to the scene to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents. No injuries were reported. Firefighters attacked the fire from the outside while protecting neighbouring homes from heat and fire exposure.
The structural integrity of the duplexes is compromised, so crews are arranging emergency demolition of both buildings. WFPS crews will remain on scene throughout the morning until demolition is complete to ensure all small pockets of fire are extinguished.
Two vacant duplexes are total losses. One neighbouring home sustained water damage from the water used to fight the fire, and another home sustained other damages. Evacuated residents were either able to return to their homes or were able to make other arrangements.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available.