Just after 9:30pm on Monday emergency crews responded to a report of a fire at the northeast corner of Main St. and Jarvis Ave.
Police blocked Main Street in both directions between Euclid and Higgins while fire crews battled the blaze.
@UFFW867 Fire on jarvis and Main st, third floor ladders were dispatched to reach people from the windows pic.twitter.com/4YPLGqgccF
— Ken (@kenswpg) June 21, 2016
The fire broke out on the third floor of the three story building. Several residents were evacuated from the building. Witnesses say a number of people jumped from windows, others were rescued by ladder. As many as 17 people were treated on scene.Five people were taken to hospital according to police, One in critical condition, One in unstable condition. A firefighter was treated on the scene with a cut hand.
A cat was also rescued after someone threw it out the window in an apparent effort to save it. The cat had to be revived with oxygen by emergency workers but appears to be doing ok.
Police have arrested Alexander CAMPBELL a 26 year old man in connection to the fire.
He is facing the following charges:
- Assault
- Choke to Overcome Resistance
- Arson – Disregard Life
- Arson – Property
- Possess Incendiary Materials
- Fail to Comply Recognizance x 4
- Fail to Comply Probation
Police initially received a report of an assault at this location. A 45-year-old female victim was able to flee her residence after being assaulted by a suspect who was known to her. Shortly after this report Winnipeg Emergency Services received a report of a fire at an apartment at the same location.
The fire appears to have been deliberately started in a third floor stair well.
Damage is estimated at $200,000.
Updated 11:40am June 21
