UPDATED
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to an early morning structure fire just after 12:30 am on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
As firefighters approached the scene flames and smoke could be seen from several block away shooting up from the top floors of the structure.
Pembina Highway was blocked in both directions as firefighters attacked the fire defensively.
Police kept onlookers several blocks away as debris and embers from the fire drifted at least two blocks away. Falling debris also started a number of spot fires at the base of the building that crews had to attend to while fighting the main fire.
Two nearby residential buildings were evacuated as a precaution say fire officials.
The 16 storey building, known as the Arc, was under construction to be new student housing. It suffered major damage as the blaze continued for several hours before it was brought under control. By Saturday afternoon parts of the structure still remained on fire.
Pembina Highway is expected to be closed in both directions for most of Saturday as crews continue to work on the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
In a statement sent to News 4 by Ledcor, the Vancouver company constructing the building, they say they will work with investigators from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and Workplace Safety and Health to determine the cause of the blaze.
They thanked the firefighters for their efforts to contain the fire and expressed relief that no one was hurt.
© News4.ca 2020
