Winnipeg Police have arrested and charged a 21-year-old female in connection to a major fire in a Point Douglas Avenue vacant warehouse on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

Police say that officers who were on the scene controlling traffic were approached by a witness who provided a description of the suspect and their direction of travel. A police patrol unit in the Elmwood area found the suspect shortly afterwards and took her into custody.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services were initially called with a report of an outside fire at the location but when firefighters arrived they found smoke and flames coming from the structure. A second alarm was then called in in order to increase the number of firefighters and equipment available on the scene. More than 100 firefighters and 33 pieces of equipment responded to the fire.

A defensive attack was launched. At one point during the fire the roof collapsed making it too dangerous for emergency crews to enter the building.

Two fire fighters were injured while battling the fire. One was taken to hospital in stable condition the other was treated on scene by paramedics.

Embers from the fire landed on a nearby railcar containing rail ties and set them on fire. The fire spread to several other railcars before it was extinguished.

Approximately 10 homes in the area were evacuated due to the fire and residents were provided temporary accommodations.

Firefighters worked throughout the day and overnight fighting the blaze and are expected to be battling hotspots throughout the day.

Kelsey Ann Thompson has been charged for her alleged involvement with Arson Causing Damage to Property and two counts of Mischief Under $5,000.

© News4.ca 2021