Winnipeg, MB – At 10:37 a.m. the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a fire in a vacant, two-storey residence in the 400 block of Pritchard Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. They entered the structure, but due to heavy fire conditions, they were forced to retreat and transition to a defensive fire attack from the exterior.
Firefighting operations remain ongoing at this time. Firefighters are using handlines and aerial ladder trucks to apply water to the fire. The WFPS drone is also being used to direct crews to hotspots.
Freezing temperatures are creating challenging conditions for firefighters, with the area around the scene being ice-covered and slippery. Crews continue to be rotated in and out of operations as required to provide them with breaks from the cold.
The building has sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage. Due to structural concerns, emergency demolition is being arranged. Road closures in the area will remain in place until work is completed at the scene.
Residents should use caution in the area, as water used to fight the fire has frozen and created slippery conditions. City of Winnipeg crews will be monitoring conditions and applying sand and de-icing agents to roadways and sidewalks as required to improve traction
A neighbouring home has been temporarily evacuated as a precaution. There have been no injuries reported.
The fire is under investigation. The residence was damaged in a previous fire in August 2023. Damage estimates are not available.
Anyone who sees someone actively entering a vacant building, or removing boards from windows or doors from a building, should call 911 to report the incident immediately.
If you notice boarded windows or doors that have been breached, but you do not see someone actively entering or trying to enter the building, report the incident to 311 by phone or online.