At 7:47 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant three-storey apartment building in the 300 block of Mountain Avenue. Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy smoke and flames emanating from the structure.
(Jason Driedger, Producer | News4.ca)
(Jason Driedger, Producer | News4.ca)
Due to heavy fire conditions and previous fire damage, it was deemed unsafe for crews to enter the building. Instead, they launched a defensive fire attack from the exterior, using aerial ladder trucks to douse the flames. As of now, most of the fire has been extinguished, though several crews remain on scene to manage smoldering hotspots.
The freezing temperatures posed a significant challenge for the firefighters, as the area around the scene became ice-covered and slippery. Crews have been rotated in and out of operations to provide breaks from the cold.
The building has suffered significant smoke, fire, and water damage. Emergency demolition is being arranged due to structural concerns. Road closures in the area will remain in place until work is completed at the scene.
Residents are advised to exercise caution in the area, as water used to fight the fire has frozen, creating hazardous conditions. City of Winnipeg crews will be monitoring the situation and applying sand and de-icing agents to improve traction on roadways and sidewalks.
Several neighbouring residences have been temporarily evacuated as a precaution. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. The fire is currently under investigation, and it has been revealed that the building sustained damage from previous fires in January 2024 and August 2023.
with files from Jason Driedger, Producer, News4.ca
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