Latest News
Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Fire destroys pawn shop on Selkirk Avenue
KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Enlarge Image
Firefighters battle a fire in the 600 block of Selkirk Avenue early today. The blaze started about 4 a.m., with flames still erupting two hours later.
WINNIPEG - Fire destroyed a pawn shop on Selkirk Avenue early this morning with smoke continuing to billow from the blaze for several hours.
Residents on the north side of Selkirk Avenue between Parr Street and McKenzie Street were rousted from their beds between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and more than 20 people were evacuated from their homes.
Traffic was closed between Arlington and McGregor as firefighters fought the persistent blaze that started just before 4 a.m. but continued to erupt into flames as late as 6:15 a.m.
Winnipeg Fire Department platoon chief Steven Sumka said Selkirk Avenue will likely be closed for at least half the day.
At around 7:15 a.m., Sumka said it was too early to estimate the damage or the cause of the fire at Discount Trade & Pawn Centre at 695 Selkirk.
"There was heavy fire volume and the whole building was involved in fire when we arrived," Sumka said. "There were so many different products in the building we have to stay at this for a long time."
Thick, heavy smoke blanketed the area with the smell of burning plastic.
Emma Thompson, a nearby resident who was forced to evacuate, said, "It’s too bad, another business has been destroyed."
Stella and Walter Hrabi, 65 and 71, lived three doors west of the pawn shop.
"Our three kittens woke us up and then we saw the flashing red lights," said Stella Hrabi.
Her cats remained in her house, but firefighters escorted her back in to retrieve her diabetes medication.
Although fire officials were not able to determine the cause of the fire, some residents spoke about the regular incidence of arson in the area.
"The garbage bins are always getting torched," said Sharon Henderson. "When you hear noise at night, you have to get up and check. You have to be on the alert."
The house next to the pawn shop featured graffiti on the plywood covering the front windows.
Winnipeg Transit had a bus on the scene to provide shelter for evacuated residents. Many also expressed appreciation for the appearance of the Salvation Army emergency vehicle dispensing coffee and donuts.
- Rate this
-
-
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
Post Your Comment
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
-
Flu Fight
News about the world's battle against the H1N1 flu pandemic
-
Winnipeg Blue Bomber Report
All of the latest on the Big Blue
-
Buy the Bowl
If dogs can paint, you can fight world hunger
-
Follow the Way!
Join United Way on its journey toward lasting change and better lives.
-
Winnipeg road closures
Check if your commute is affected
-
Editor's Bulletin
Sign up for daily bulletins
-
Blogs to Watch
We pick our favourite local blogs for you to follow
-
Breaking News Widget
Create and embed a Winnipeg Free Press breaking news widget on your site or blog
- Back to Top
- Return to Latest News
Advertisement
PREVIOUS
Most Popular
- $50-million lottery ticket bought in Manitoba
- No more jail time for tot's death
- Tire problem factor in plane's belly landing
- Doer the diplomat
- Tears and fears
- Your weekend weather
- It all comes down to Bishop
- New police station moves a step closer
- His turn to confront mortality
- Martin sorry for Tory torch accusations
- $50-million lottery ticket bought in Manitoba
- No more jail time for tot's death
- New police station moves a step closer
- Tories 'represent renewal' says McFadyen
- Big prize or bust for Blue and Kelly
- Tears and fears
- Martin sorry for Tory torch accusations
- Unnecessary visits discouraged
- Bombers draw inspiration from movie 300
- CFS officials paid themselves first, audit finds
- Tears and fears
- His turn to confront mortality
- $50-million lottery ticket bought in Manitoba
- Whenever I hear women complaining about the rat race, I think about the career I didn't have
- Tire problem factor in plane's belly landing
- How I found my dad's grave: A SON'S STORY
- Voice of a nation
- Province, feds to improve Trans-Canada west of Winnipeg
- US man accused of killing ex-son-in-law in New Jersey to tell jurors he was too fat to kill
- The killer never left
Ads by Google
1 Comments
Posted by: flying.jay
July 7, 2009 at 8:55 AM
So that's what I smelled this morning. I probably live 20 blocks away from there, but I remember waking up frequently this morning and wondering if there was something wrong. This helps me feel like I'm less crazy...very sorry about the business owner that has to deal with this!