Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) brought out a new tool for the first time to help fight the Selkirk Avenue fire on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.
The fire started just after 7:30 pm and was fully involved by the time fire crews arrived.
The people in the building all made it out safely and no injuries were reported in the blaze all though according to the city two cats remain missing.
Firefighters deployed their new drone to help assess the fire and identify hot spots.
“With the drone’s help, the commander of the scene was better able to critically assess the dangers of this fire and direct the crews to target the fire in a more efficient manner,” said Assistant Chief Jay Shaw. “This is a great example of how our department is using technology to increase safety for our crews and also create better outcomes for citizens”
The $44,000 drone program was launched in July of 2018 and WFPS expects to use it not only during major fires but also on water rescues, hazardous materials responses, safety assessments and wildland fire monitoring. The drone has both a high definition camera and a thermal imaging camera.
The building on Selkirk Avenue was totally destroyed by the fire and will be demolished immediately according to a city of Winnipeg media release.
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