At 1:08 p.m. on Thursday, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to a fire at a vacant two-and-a-half-storey house in the 500 block of Langside Street. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from the structure.
Firefighters initially launched an offensive attack and searched the building for any occupants, but none were found. As conditions inside the house became unsafe, crews transitioned to a defensive strategy, using hose lines and an aerial ladder truck to douse the flames. The fire was declared under control at 2:22 p.m.
As a precaution, firefighters also searched two neighboring homes, finding no occupants. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The vacant house sustained significant water, smoke, and fire damage, leading to an emergency demolition order. The structure had previously suffered damage from fires in November and December of 2023.
Langside Street will remain closed between Sargent Avenue and Ellice Street until the demolition is complete. Authorities urge pedestrians and drivers to avoid the area.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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