Winnipeg firefighters battle two overnight blazes downtown, one lasting eight hours

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This article was published 09/03/2024 (591 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg firefighters responded to two back-to-back blazes downtown overnight Friday, including one that took eight hours to put out.

According to a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service release, firefighters were called to the first fire at a three-storey building on the 500 block of Main Street at 7:45 p.m. Friday. Crews tried to fight the blaze from inside the mixed-use building but were forced to exit due to dangerous conditions.

Work continued throughout the night, with firefighters using a drone to capture aerial and thermal imaging of the fire. It was declared under control just after 3:30 a.m. No one was reported injured. The building is expected to be a complete loss. In a Saturday morning update, the city said some crews remained on scene putting out hot spots.

Almost immediately after putting out the first fire, crews were called to a second.

A city release said firefighters responded to a fire in a two-storey multi-family residence on the 100 block of Hallet Street at 3:50 a.m. on Saturday.

Crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. After attempting to fight the fire from inside, crews retreated and attacked from the outside, using an aerial ladder to spray water on the fire.

As of 8 a.m. Saturday morning, crews remained on scene extinguishing the fire. No injuries have been reported. Damage estimates are not available but the building sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage. The City’s Emergency Social Services Team is helping displaced residents find temporary accommodations.

As of early Saturday morning, road closures remained from the first fire.

The city said northbound Main Street has re-opened but southbound Main Street between Alexander Avenue and Logan Avenue will remain closed until crews leave.

“Once the road re-opens, residents are asked to exercise caution in the area, as water used to fight the fire has frozen and created slippery conditions,” read the release. “City of Winnipeg crews will be monitoring conditions and applying sand and de-icing agents to roadways and sidewalks as required to improve traction.”

Both fires remain under investigation.