The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to "two significant structure fires overnight," and are still on scene of one of them west of Main Street.
William Avenue fire
At 5:35 a.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024, WFPS crews responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, two-storey, multi-family residence in the 400 block of William Avenue.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure.
Due to the dangerous fire conditions, crews were unable to enter the building. Crews remain on scene at this time. They are fighting the fire from the exterior using an aerial ladder truck and hand lines to apply water.
The structure sustained significant damage and is considered a complete loss. An emergency demolition will be completed starting later this morning.
At this point, no injuries have been reported.
William Avenue, between Ellen Street and Gertie Street, is closed. It will re-open once demolition of the structure is complete.
The structure had significant damage from a previous fire on June 11, 2023.
The fire is under investigation.
Balmoral Street fire
At 9:39 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a vacant, three-storey apartment complex in the 500 block of Balmoral Street.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found heavy smoke coming from the building. They entered and fought the fire from the interior, declaring the fire under control at 10:27 p.m.
Crews completed a search of the building and no occupants were found. There were no injuries reported.
The fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.