The City of Winnipeg is urging residents to report any suspicious activity involving vacant properties after another abandoned building went up in flames in broad daylight.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a fire in a vacant two-storey multi-family residence on the 300 block of Redwood Avenue on Saturday afternoon, according to a release from the City. The incident, which was reported at 1:06 p.m. on August 24, 2024, has prompted city officials to ask residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving vacant buildings.
When WFPS crews arrived on the scene, they found smoke billowing from the building. Firefighters quickly entered the structure and managed to bring the fire under control by 1:39 p.m. A thorough search of the premises revealed no occupants and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and damage estimates have yet to be determined.
Fires in vacant buildings a growing concern
In light of this incident, the City of Winnipeg is urging residents to report any signs of unauthorized entry into vacant buildings. Officials stress the importance of community involvement in preventing similar occurrences in the future. If anyone sees someone actively entering a vacant structure or tampering with boarded windows or doors, they are advised to call the Winnipeg Police Service immediately by dialling 911.
Additionally, if residents notice that a vacant building's windows or doors have been breached but do not witness anyone entering, they are encouraged to report the situation to 311.
In Winnipeg, the number of fires in vacant buildings has been a growing concern. In 2023, the city saw a record 150 fires in such buildings, which represents a significant rise from previous years. In 2021, for example, there were 133 fires in vacant buildings, up from 82 in 2020. This increase has prompted calls for more proactive measures to secure these properties and prevent further incidents​(