One person was taken to the hospital from a fire in a mixed-use building on Main Street on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews were called to the scene of the fire in the 800 block at 7:19 am. When they arrived they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the two-story building.
A Defensive attack was launched from outside the building using handlines and aerial ladder trucks due to the advanced fire conditions and a risk of collapse.
All occupants of the building were able to evacuate before firefighters arrived. One of the occupants was assessed by paramedics and taken to the hospital in stable condition.
A highrise building next door to the fire was evacuated as a precaution. A second alarm was called in to increase the number of crews and equipment on the scene and to help with the orderly evacuation of the highrise.
Winnipeg Transit deployed buses to act as shelters for the evacuated residents. Winnipeg’s Emergency Social Services Unit was called to the scene to help those who were displaced find a temporary place to stay.
Main Street was closed in both directions between Higgins Avenue and Dufferin Avenue while crews battled the blaze.
It is expected that the building will be a complete loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
