Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to three structure fires this morning on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
Plaza Drive fire
At 7:48 a.m., WFPS crews responded to a monitored fire alarm in a seven-storey high-rise on Plaza Drive.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews found smoke coming from 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 and apparatus on scene. Firefighters launched an offensive fire attack and the fire was declared under control at 8:42 a.m.
Some occupants self-evacuated from the building and some were able to shelter in place in their suites. Firefighters assisted several occupants in exiting the building. A Winnipeg Transit bus was deployed to the scene to provide shelter for evacuees.
One individual was assessed at the scene by paramedics, but did not require transport to hospital. No other injuries were reported. Crews located several pets in the building and brought them to safety.
Crews worked to ventilate smoke from the building. Residents from the first four floors will be able to return to their suites later today. The upper three floors of the building sustained more extensive smoke and fire damage. Until the damage is remedied, residents living on those floors are not able to return to their suites. WFPS crews assisted residents from the upper floors in retrieving essential personal items.
The City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team was deployed to assist one family in finding temporary accommodations. The remaining residents arranged their own accommodations.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by an appliance failure.
Renfrew Street fire
At 10:35 a.m., the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey, single-family home in the 200 block of Renfrew Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy smoke coming from the house. They entered and fought the fire from the inside of the house. The fire was declared under control at 11:15 a.m.
Occupants of the house self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. Paramedics assessed three individuals at the scene. Two were transported to hospital in critical condition and the third was transported in stable condition. No other injuries were reported. The Winnipeg Animal Services Agency responded to the incident to provide care for the residents’ dogs.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.
Bond Street fire
At 11:20 a.m., WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey, single-family home on Bond Street.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews encountered a well-involved fire, with heavy smoke and flames coming from the house. They launched an offensive fire attack, while also working to protect the neighbouring homes. The fire was declared under control at 12:08 p.m.
The sole occupant of the house safely self-evacuated with one dog. Firefighters located two additional dogs deceased in the house.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The house sustained significant damage and is expected to be a complete loss. Damage estimates are not available at this time.