Winnipeg, MB – At 7:39 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to reports of fire at a vacant three-storey apartment building in the 500 block of Balmoral Street.
Smoke was coming from the structure when firefighters arrived on scene. They initially launched a defensive fire attack from outside the building. Once conditions improved, they were able to enter the structure and finish putting the fire out. Hose lines and an aerial ladder truck were used to apply water to the fire, and the WFPS drone was launched to direct crews to hotspots. The fire was declared under control at 8:43 p.m.
Crews completed a search of the building and no occupants were found.
One firefighter sustained an injury at the scene and was transported to hospital in stable condition.
The structure suffered damage from previous fires, including fires in June 2024, March 2023, February 2023, June 2021 and January 2021. Damage estimates are not available.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
If residents see someone actively entering a vacant structure, or removing boards from windows or doors, they should report the incident immediately by calling the Winnipeg Police Service at 911.
Anyone who sees that boarded windows or doors have been breached, but did not see someone actively entering or attempting to enter a structure should report the incident to 311.