Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three early morning fires.
Furby Street fire
At 1:30 a.m. on May 17, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, three-storey apartment building in the 400 block of Furby Street.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke coming from the structure. They initially fought the fire from the exterior until conditions improved. They then entered the building and fought the fire from inside. The fire was declared under control at 2:03 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the structure and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
The building was previously damaged by fires in July 2022, August 2022 and September 2022.
Kennedy Street fire
At 4:53 a.m. on May 17, 2023, WFPS crews responded to monitored fire alarms in a 16-storey high-rise in the 400 block of Kennedy Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy smoke in the building. With the potential for high life hazards when dealing with a high-rise, a second alarm was called which increased the number of crews on scene. Crews fought the fire from inside the building, declaring it under control at 5:59 a.m.
Some occupants of the building were evacuated and some were able to shelter in place in their suites. Several residents were assessed by on-scene paramedics but did not require transport to hospital.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Lorette Avenue fire
At 6 a.m. on May 17, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, single-storey residence in the 800 block of Lorette Avenue.
When crews got to the scene, they found smoke coming from the house. Crews fought the fire from inside. The fire was declared under control at 6:54 a.m.
Firefighters searched the house and no occupants were found. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available.