UPDATED

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a major structure fire on Sherbrook Street just north of Ellice Avenue around 8:20 pm on Friday, December 31, 2021.

When crews arrived smoke and flames were coming from the roof of the three-storey apartment building. An offensive attack was launched but crews had to pull back and transition to a defensive attack using hand lines and two aerial ladder trucks.

The extreme temperatures hampered their efforts as hydrants in the area were frozen. One of the ladder trucks was replaced twice as the cold played havoc and mechanical issues arose.

Many of the residents were seen exiting the building as firefighters arrived on the scene. Firefighters had to help several people exit the building and several homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution. Paramedics assessed several of the evacuees but no one required hospitalization. No other injuries were reported.

Windchill during the blaze hovered below -40c making for extremely cold working conditions. Firefighters were rotated on an ongoing basis throughout the course of the fire.

It is likely that the building will be a total loss. Crews are expected to be on the scene well into the day on Saturday. Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services Unit are helping residents find a temporary place to stay.

Sherbrook Street remains closed between Portage Avenue and Sargent Avenue and Ellice Avenue is closed between Fury Street and and Maryland Street until firefighters complete their work.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

— with files from Keegan Driedger

© News4.ca 2022