Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires this morning.
Mountain Avenue fire
At 7:12 a.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 300 block of Mountain Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy black smoke and flames coming from the structure. An interior, offensive attack was initially launched, but due to deteriorating conditions, crews were forced to exit the building and transition to a defensive fire attack using aerial ladders and hand lines. Aerial and thermal imaging views from the WFPS drone are helping Incident Commanders to direct water streams and locate hot spots.
One evacuee from the apartment building was assessed and treated by on-scene Paramedics, but did not require transport to hospital. A neighbouring home was evacuated as a precaution.
This will be a prolonged response and the WFPS is expected to be on scene throughout the day. Mountain Avenue is closed between Salter Street and Charles Street. Aikins Street is closed between College Avenue and St. John’s Avenue. Area residents and drivers should avoid the area.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team responded to the scene to help approximately 20 displaced residents find alternate temporary housing. A Winnipeg Transit bus responded to the scene to provide temporary shelter and transportation for evacuees during the incident.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time, but the building is expected to be a complete loss.
Pritchard Avenue fire
At 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-storey duplex in the 400 block of Pritchard Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found smoke coming from the structure. They launched an interior fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 7:33 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the building 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.