Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called to a fire on Elkhorn Street near Pacific Avenue just after 10:00 am on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Smoke and flames were coming from the building when crews arrived on the scene and an offensive attack was launched. Within minutes conditions began to worsen forcing firefighters out of the structure and move to a defensive attack.

Firefighters battled the blaze using hand lines and an aerial ladder for nearly an hour before it was declared under control at 11:08 am.

Although most residents in the building were able to get themselves out of the building before crews arrived some had to be helped by firefighters. Residents in a neighbouring townhouse were also evacuated as a precaution.

Transit buses and the WFPS Major Incident Response Vehicle were on scene to provide shelter to those evacuated from the buildings.

The building with the fire suffered significant damage and the neighbouring building suffered heat damage to the exterior.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

© News4.ca 2021