A Winnipeg church is a complete loss after firefighters spent nearly two hours battling a fire in the structure on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

Crews were called to the scene in the 400 block of Tweed Avenue minutes before 4:00 am and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building as they arrived on the scene. A defensive attack was launched using exterior hand lines and aerial ladders.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service use their drone’s thermal imaging capabilities to help direct water streams and locate hot spots. The fire was declared under control at 5:49 am.

A neighbouring home was evacuated as a precaution. One firefighter was injured while fighting the blaze and was taken to hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.