A major fire broke out on Tuesday morning in an industrial building located in Winnipeg’s Point Douglas area. The incident, which prompted a significant emergency response, began at around 5:08 a.m. on Sutherland Avenue at Maple Street North. The building was engulfed in flames, with fire shooting out of windows and the structure’s roof, accompanied by billowing black smoke.
The scale of the fire led to a third alarm being issued, necessitating the deployment of three full complements of firefighting units to the scene. This included three aerial ladders and up to 15 additional pieces of equipment and vehicles.
Deputy Chief Tom Wallace of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service acknowledged the challenges faced by crews in containing a fire of this magnitude. The building appeared to be a composite structure, comprising multiple generations of construction methods, which complicated firefighting efforts. Wallace explained that the building consisted of various interconnected sections, and the fire had spread throughout the entire complex. He mentioned that one section, constructed with ordinary materials such as brick, had already suffered a partial wall collapse due to the fire’s intensity.
Wallace advised residents in the vicinity to close their windows to safeguard their indoor air quality, considering the significant smoke produced by the fire.
District Chief Rob Labossiere provided an update in the afternoon, stating that firefighters were still battling hot spots in the affected area. He anticipated that crews would remain on the scene well into the evening, and possibly overnight, to ensure complete extinguishment and address any potential flare-ups.
At present, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and there have been no reported injuries, according to Labossiere. Road closures are in effect, with Sutherland between Maple Street North and Argyle Street North being blocked off, and other nearby roads may also be affected throughout the day. Authorities are urging drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to avoid the area.
In response to the fire, members of the Winnipeg Police Service are going door-to-door in the immediate vicinity, instructing residents and businesses to shelter in place, stay indoors, and keep their windows closed. The provincial authorities are actively monitoring the air quality in the area as well.