Fire breaks out in Main Street Project, quickly doused

A fire broke out in Main Street Project’s homeless shelter early Thursday morning.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service were alerted by a fire alarm just before 3 a.m. Firefighters found smoke inside the building and evacuated everyone who was inside.

Before crews arrived, Main Street Project staff used fire extinguishers to try to put out the fire, which kept the flames small and contained, the fire department said.

Firefighters quickly doused the blaze by just before 3:10 a.m. The fire was contained to a single room.

Main Street Project remains open with reduced capacity. City social workers worked with Main Street Project staff to support the people displaced by the fire. Some were sent to other area shelters.

Fire investigators are looking into the cause of the blaze.