[jaw_highlight]STORY UPDATED[/jaw_highlight]
A late afternoon fire destroyed a two-story commercial building in St. James on Monday, February 5, 2018.
Fire officials say that the building was fully involved when crews arrived.
The fire in the 500 block of Roseberry Street was being fought from the outside of the building after the roof collapsed and fire officials believed it was far too dangerous to send crews back inside. According to fire officials, all the windows were out and several walls were buckling outward keeping firefighter well back because of the danger of them collapsing outward.
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Three ladder trucks doused the flames from above as crews from 10 engines and rescue units battled from the ground as best they could. Battling prolonged fires in cold temperatures play havoc on equipment as fire hydrants and pumps begin to freeze.
According to Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s assistant chief Mark Reshaur, crews were basically pouring thousands of gallons of water on the fire to drown it out.
Due to the cold firefighters had to be rotated on a regular basis while fighting the fire and were vigilant to the signs of frostbite and hyperthermia.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Everyone was able to evacuate the buildings and no injuries were reported.
Manitoba Hydro said that several businesses in the area are still without power and will be until it is safe for them to work.
Roseberry Street remains closed around the fire scene on Tuesday.
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