Winnipeg, MB – At 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to reports of a fire in a three-storey apartment building in the 500 block of Furby Street.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke coming from the structure. They launched an offensive fire attack, declaring the fire under control at 8:59 p.m.
Most occupants of the building safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. Firefighters assisted one individual out of the building. Paramedics assessed several individuals at the scene. One patient was transported to hospital in unstable condition. No other injuries were reported.
Due to extensive smoke and water damage in the building, residents were not able to return to their suites.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team was deployed to assist approximately 28 residents in finding temporary accommodations. The remaining residents arranged their own accommodations.
A Winnipeg Transit bus attended to provide shelter and transportation.
Firefighters located several animals in the building. The City’s Animal Services Agency and the Winnipeg Humane Society attended the scene to provide care for the animals.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and damage estimates are not available at this time.