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A fire broke out at a vacant three-storey apartment building in the 500 block of Balmoral Street on Wednesday night, marking the latest in a series of incidents at the site.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to the blaze at 7:39 p.m., with smoke visible from the building upon their arrival, according to a media release from the City of Winnipeg.
Firefighters initially launched a defensive attack from outside before moving in once conditions permitted. They used hose lines and an aerial ladder truck to douse the flames, while a WFPS drone helped pinpoint hotspots. By 8:43 p.m., the fire was declared under control.
No occupants were found inside the building, and a firefighter sustained an injury, later reported to be stable after being transported to hospital.
The building, which has a history of previous fires, including incidents in June 2024, March 2023, February 2023, June 2021, and January 2021, has suffered significant damage. Damage estimates are not yet available. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The building was opened as apartments for newcomers in 2010. However, the building was quickly criticized as not suitable for families. By 2022 the building was vacant, and Manitoba Housing donated the site to the non-profit Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corp. in May 2024. It was meant to be demolished and the WHRC planned to build 30 new units on the site.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity around vacant properties. For those witnessing someone actively entering or tampering with a vacant building, the Winnipeg Police Service should be contacted immediately at 911. For reports of breached boarded windows or doors without active entry, residents should call 311.