Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a fire in the 700 block of Toronto Street late Tuesday afternoon, March 5, 2024.
When crews arrived on the scene shortly after 4:00 p.m. they encountered heavy smoke coming from a three-storey apartment building. An offensive interior attack was launched but due to deteriorating conditions, firefighters transitioned to a defensive attack on the outside of the structure using aerial ladders and hand lines.
Several hours after the fire started crews continued to fight the blaze as dark smoke and flames shot from the roof into the night sky.
Everyone inside the build were able to get out and there are no reports of injury. Firefighters also evacuated a neighbouring apartment building as a precaution.
A Winnipeg Transit bus was parked on Notre Dame Avenue to provide shelter to the building residents.
Fire officials say that the damage to the structure is significant due to fire, smoke and water and the building is expected to be a complete loss.
Emergency crews are expected to be working through the night to bring the fire under control and extinguish hot spots.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
— with files from Keegan Driedger
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