Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews battled a major Main Street fire Saturday, February 11, 2023.
The fire started in a commercial building in the 800 block minutes after 2:00 am. As firefighters arrived they saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure.
As a precaution, an apartment building on Main Street and 15 homes on Austin Street North were evacuated. A Winnipeg Transit bus was used as a temporary shelter for the evacuees.
A defensive attack was launched from outside the building as it was not safe for crews to enter. Three aerial ladders spent most of the day attacking the fire from above. The WFPS drone was brought in to allow the scene commanders a view from above.
The fire spread to neighbouring buildings during the early morning hours.
Three firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital in stable condition.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The structure is expected to be a total loss.
