Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a hazardous materials (HazMat) incident overnight, and continued to assist residents at 221 Stradbrook Avenue following last night’s high-rise fire.
Grosvenor Avenue HazMat incident
At 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023, the WFPS responded to a monitored ammonia alarm at the River Heights Community Centre at 1370 Grosvenor Avenue. Ammonia is commonly used in ice rink refrigeration systems.
When crews arrived to the scene, they detected ammonia coming from the building. The WFPS HazMat unit attended and made entry to the structure. Ammonia build-up was detected in areas throughout the building.
Crews successfully mitigated the ammonia leak and ventilated the building. No occupants were found, and no injuries were reported.
Update: Stradbrook high-rise fire
WFPS crews remained on scene at 221 Stradbrook Avenue into Friday morning. Damage to the building is extensive with significant fire damage on the roof, smoke damage to several floors, and water damage throughout.
WFPS crew members worked with the tenants to compile lists of essential items they required from their suites. As the elevator system in the building remains inoperable, crews used the stairs to retrieve the items and return them to the tenants.
WFPS members also spent several hours working with staff from the Animal Services Agency to locate and retrieve animals from suites. Over a dozen cats and several dogs were evacuated.
Winnipeg Transit buses at the scene provided shelter to residents while they waited for assistance. The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team helped approximately 45 displaced residents in finding temporary accommodations.
The fire remains under investigation, but preliminary observations suggest it was accidental, caused by an electrical failure.
The WFPS thanks the civic departments, partner agencies including Manitoba Hydro and the Canadian Red Cross, as well as the building’s management team who were involved in this complex response.